NASA Warns Louisiana: 2030 Moon Shift Could Raise Flood Risks

Starting in the 2030s, NASA reports that the moon will begin its "wobble," a natural shift in its orbit.

While this phenomenon has been documented since 1728 and happens every 18.6 years, NASA's latest study warns that it could lead to significantly increased high-tide flooding along U.S. coasts—including Louisiana.

So, why is this a concern now? Although we've managed through previous cycles, NASA notes that rising sea levels caused by climate change could amplify the impact this time around.

For coastal Louisiana, where communities are already vulnerable to flooding, the combination of these factors could mean more frequent and severe high-tide events.

Louisianans are no strangers to adapting to environmental challenges, but staying informed and prepared will be critical as this celestial cycle approaches.

2030 Moon Shift Could Raise Flood Risks

First of all, here's how the moon's 18.6-year orbit shift goes down according to NASA -

In half of the Moon’s 18.6-year cycle, Earth’s regular daily tides are suppressed: High tides are lower than normal, and low tides are higher than normal.

 

In the other half of the cycle, tides are amplified: High tides get higher, and low tides get lower. Global sea-level rise pushes high tides in only one direction – higher. So half of the 18.6-year lunar cycle counteracts the effect of sea-level rise on high tides, and the other half increases the effect.

NASA’s new report highlights the potential flooding risks from the moon’s 18.6-year cycle.

The first half of the cycle decreases high tides, while the second half causes them to rise.

With the upcoming shift in the moon’s orbit, combined with rising sea levels and climate change, NASA warns that coastal cities—especially in Louisiana—could experience severe flooding.

As the moon’s gravitational pull intensifies, Louisiana is expected to see significant impacts, increasing the urgency for flood preparedness.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson warns that "low-lying areas near sea level are increasingly at risk and suffering due to the increased flooding, and it will only get worse."

Phil Thompson, an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii who is part of NASA's study says that they're not predicting giant surges of water causing instant devastation to coastal communities as we see with hurricanes. Instead, Thompson predicts it will be a slower, accumulated issue.

Thompson reports -

It’s the accumulated effect over time that will have an impact. But if it floods 10 or 15 times a month, a business can’t keep operating with its parking lot under water. People lose their jobs because they can’t get to work. Seeping cesspools become a public health issue.

NASA warns that over the next 18.6 years if sea levels continue to rise as predicted that when we get into the 2030s, we will start seeing the widespread coastal flooding they're concerned about.

Sea Level Portal Tool

Something that may prove to be very useful in the coming years for Acadiana is NASA's "Sea Level Portal Tool".

The "Sea Level Portal Tool" is something actually in use now that predicts high tide floods. NASA says the flood tool will be updated in the near future with the findings from this study.

You can read NASA's full report over at nasa.gov.