Climate change is bringing about a change in precipitation patterns, notably more short-term droughts punctuated by more frequent heavy downpours, quite a change from the gentle summer rains that Vineyarders are used to. Much of the additional heavy rainfall is expected to occur during the winter, presenting further difficulties regarding drainage over frozen ground.
The highest priority strategy identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Dukes County is to implement regulations and capital programs to build stormwater facilities one size larger, namely for a 25-year rather than a 10-year storm.