Palo Alto and East Palo Alto are among several cities in the Bay Area that could flood 26 times a year by 2060 if sea levels continue to rise.

According to a new study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the region could be hit hard by flooding if global sea levels rise by a “moderate” estimate of four feet. If sea levels rise even more, by six feet, the flooding could extend to Middlefield Road in Palo Alto and Pulgas Avenue in East Palo Alto, based on a Mercury News report.

Kristy Dahl, a co-author of the report, said chronic flooding has closed roads in other parts of the country, making it difficult for people to get around. The Bay Area has a developed shoreline, so even a small amount of flooding could hit the cities hard. 

But local officials say the forecast is not as dire as the study suggests. Although the existing levee systems are old and have weaknesses, plans are in the works to better protect cities in flood-prone areas. Work to strengthen levees in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties are underway by the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority. Improvements will likely involve a mix of raising the levees’ height and filling in existing gaps.