Whidbey Island dwellers may have a interest in the effects rising sea levels will have on their properties and community.

To help people prepare for higher tides and larger storm surges, Island County Marine Resources Committee and Washington Sea Grant is holding a free workshop 2:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Coupeville Rec Hall.

Last summer, the University of Washington’s Washington Sea Grant released a report with projections for the state’s coastlines. The report is meant to be used inform decisions about restoration projects and shoreline development.

The data provides the relative sea level projection at varying degrees of probability for the years between 2020 and 2150.

The data shows that, by 2080, there is an 80 percent chance the sea level will rise as much as 1.6 feet on the coast near Clinton.

Researchers also predict that storm water surges will become bigger and more impactful in the future. Officials from Island County’s Department of Natural Resources have said they’re already hearing from residents in areas of concern that they are experiencing larger and more frequent flooding each year.

Local experts in the subject will cover strategies for planning and adaptation.

• Those interested vist www.surveymonkey.com/r/6S5BNJ8