Triple Jeopardy Flood Event Hits U.S. East Coast
Triple Jeopardy Flood Event Hits U.S. East Coast
US · Published Sep 25, 2026
• A rare 'triple jeopardy' flood event occurred along the U.S.
• East Coast on January 16–17, 2022, combining three distinct hazards: a storm surge from an extratropical cyclone, a meteotsunami caused by mesoscale atmospheric disturbances, and a tsunami triggered by the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption.

Impact & Risks

The triple jeopardy event caused significant coastal flooding and hazardous sea levels along the U.S. East Coast, particularly in New Jersey and Delaware. The storm surge affected areas from Florida to Massachusetts, with maximum water levels exceeding 1.1 meters in some locations. The meteotsunami and tsunami added to the flooding, creating a compounded risk for coastal communities. Such events highlight the vulnerability of coastal regions to multiple simultaneous hazards, which can amplify the overall impact and pose challenges for emergency response and mitigation planning.

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