DOI: 10.7910/dvn/cztity
title: NCCOS Assessment: Community Vulnerability Assessment to Flood Hazard in the United States Virgin Islands, 2023-01-01 to 2024-08-30

description: This dataset includes estate level component scores of various indices from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Community Assessment to Flood Hazard in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Indices include social vulnerability, structural vulnerability (and sub-indices), structural exposure (and sub-indices), nearshore environment protection benefits, compounded flood hazard, waterborne toxins and contaminants, vegetation, and potential walkability. Each component score is aggregated to the estate level geography provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, intermediary raster-based datasets on stormwater flooding potential, compounded flooding (both near-term-moderate and projected-high), orbital velocity data, a Shannon land use diversity index, and a Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI) are included. This assessment used a geospatial, indicator-driven approach to integrate data from a variety of sources related to community vulnerability in the USVI. These data included measures of social and structural vulnerability and exposure, the nearshore environment, flood hazards, waterborne toxins and contaminants, vegetation, and potential walkability. These indicators were based on territorial needs, existing research, local stakeholder feedback, and data feasibility checks. Each component was analyzed using publicly available data, renormalized using a min-max normalization method, and aggregated to estate-level geographies. These were then categorized into statistical quantile breaks to show relative rankings across the territory. This integrative approach supports bivariate choropleth mapping for highlighting areas of co-occurrence and prioritization and also highlights estate-level hazard and vulnerability. Additionally, several raster based indices were created in this assessment. For full dataset methods please see the NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 334 at https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/66566.
description: ESRI ArcGIS
description: Use Limitation: NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data.
Data License: These data were produced by NOAA and are not subject to copyright protection in the United States. NOAA waives any potential copyright and related rights in these data worldwide through the Creative Commons Zero 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication (CC0 1.0).
description: The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards such as erosion, hurricanes, and flooding. These risks are exacerbated by climatic events that contribute to increased storm intensity and extreme weather patterns, including droughts and heavy rainfall. While climate change is a global crisis, its impacts on the USVI are especially severe due to the territory’s small size, geographic isolation, and reliance on imported goods. Social determinants of vulnerability—such as economic disparities, limited access to resources, and historical inequities—further compound these challenges. Underserved and historically marginalized communities across the territory often face heightened risks and reduced capacity to prepare for or recover from such hazards. To address these critical issues, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) conducted a place-based, integrated community vulnerability assessment at the estate level to support communities in the USVI.