STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Storms as strong and devastating as Hurricane Sandy could hit New York City every 20 years, according to recent research.

A study published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that the frequency and magnitude of the city's extreme floods may increase due to the effects of rising sea levels and climate change.

The paper, published by researchers at Rutgers University, Princeton University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, states that New York City can expect nine-foot floods anywhere from three to 17 times more frequently over the next century.

The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy, along with the high tide, resulted in historic water levels in New York Harbor. The catastrophic weather event left much of Staten Island submerged in water, claiming the lives of 24 Staten Islanders -- more than in any other borough.

Some of the victims were found in their homes in areas like Dongan Hills, Midland Beach, Tottenville and South Beach. Others died trying to escape as Sandy intensified. Still, others were ripped from their families by the storm surge.

The researchers write that the the flood hazard for New York City has increased significantly from 1800 to 2000, and will increase even more sharply to 2100.

The study states: "The results of this analysis demonstrate how dramatically the frequency and magnitude of NYC's extreme floods may increase over time, due to the compound effects of sea level rise and storm climatology change."

The study is based on a combination of historical data and computer model projections.