Spatial Characteristics and Connectivity of Urban Floods in Eastern China: Insights From a Newly Established Data Set During 2010–2020

Abstract Due to limited data, the spatial characteristics and connectivity of urban floods in eastern China remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a new data set of urban floods in eastern China during 2010–2020, compiled from multiple sources. Based on this data set, our analysis identified four high‐frequency urban flood centers in South, Southeast, Southwest, and North China. Distinct regional differences are revealed for regions from south to north, with monthly peaks shifting from May to August and precipitation thresholds decreasing from high to low. Furthermore, we uncovered widespread interconnections among urban floods both within and across regions by using complex networks analysis. Strong local connectivity within regions is associated with northwestern Pacific subtropical high and moisture flux convergence. Meanwhile, links across regions are significant between Southwest China and both Southeast and North China, with Southwest China vortex likely playing a critical role.