Researchers released a high-resolution urban flood-risk model that estimates water depth and flow across individual blocks during extreme rainfall. The dataset aims to help cities prioritize drainage and resilience upgrades.

Officials said the map can improve emergency planning, identifying streets likely to become impassable and neighborhoods where basement flooding is most common. Advocates urged cities to pair the data with equity-focused investment to reduce disproportionate impacts.

Scientists cautioned that flood risk remains dynamic, influenced by land use changes, maintenance of drainage infrastructure, and shifting storm patterns.