Despite California Drought, Bay Area Researchers Fear Flooding

Though many researchers in California are focused on the lack of rain, a group in the Bay Area found that if the skies do open up flooding will be a problem.

The San Mateo County Times reported that the nonprofit Bay Area Council says the region is unprepared for the superstorm which they call inevitable. The storm, which would drop 12 inches of rain in a week, would cause $10.4 billion in economic damage and is predicted to occur once every 150 years.

According to the report, the flood would be concentrated in Marin, San Mateo and Santa Clara, affecting 355,000 residents and $46.2 billion in assets.

City officials in San Mateo and San Jose applauded the study, saying preparedness is key when it comes to natural disasters.