All articles tagged with #extreme rainfall
Recent intense storms across the U.S., exacerbated by climate change, have led to more frequent and severe flash floods in cities like Texas, New York, and New Mexico, as rising temperatures increase atmospheric moisture and rainfall intensity, posing growing risks to communities.
The article discusses the reasons behind the recent increase in extreme rainfall and flooding in the U.S., highlighting changing weather patterns and possibly climate change as contributing factors.
Research shows that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rain events in the Northeast U.S., leading to more frequent flooding and infrastructure challenges, with recent events in New York and New Jersey exemplifying these impacts.
Unprecedented rainfall and flooding in the UAE and Oman sparked speculation about cloud seeding, but experts attribute the extreme weather to climate change. The UAE experienced its heaviest rainfall on record, with authorities dismissing claims that cloud seeding caused the deluge. Climate scientists point to rising global temperatures as a factor in more intense weather events, while cloud seeding remains a controversial method for weather modification.
Meteorologists and climate scientists believe that the extreme rainfall in Dubai was not caused by cloud seeding, but rather by natural weather patterns and human-caused climate change. Cloud seeding, a controversial weather modification method, has been difficult to prove effective and is unlikely to produce the amount of rainfall seen in Dubai. While some governments invest in cloud seeding technology in hopes of increasing water supply, experts emphasize that it is not a significant factor in extreme weather events like the recent deluge in the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai experienced severe flooding after receiving two years' worth of rain in just 24 hours, causing chaos in the city. The Dubai International Airport diverted inbound flights due to "exceptional weather," and all government entities and private schools were instructed to work remotely. Human-amplified climate change is cited as a cause for the increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, leading to more frequent and severe flooding as infrastructure struggles to cope with the influx of water.
Heavy rainfall in San Diego caused flooded roadways, car wrecks, and water rescues, prompting the mayor to declare a state of emergency. The National Weather Service issued travel warnings and flash flood alerts for various areas. The San Diego Airport received 2.73 inches of rain, making it the fourth wettest day in the area. Firefighters and lifeguards conducted numerous rescues, and no fatalities have been reported so far.
A study by the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research reveals that state-of-the-art climate models underestimate the increase in extreme rainfall caused by global warming. The study found that the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall extremes are increasing exponentially with each increment of global warming. The findings highlight the urgent need to curb greenhouse emissions to prevent more frequent catastrophic floods. The study comes ahead of the COP28 summit, where countries will discuss climate change mitigation strategies.
New York City has declared a state of emergency due to flash flooding caused by strong storms, with up to 8 inches of rain falling in some areas. Subway systems, streets, and highways have flooded, causing major disruptions to transportation. No deaths or critical injuries have been reported, but multiple rescues have taken place. The city's sewage system was overwhelmed by the heavy rainfall, leading to widespread flooding. LaGuardia Airport closed one terminal, and road closures were announced by the police. This September has become the wettest in New York City since 1882.
New York City is experiencing life-threatening flash flooding as remnants of Tropical Storm Ophelia bring heavy rain to the already saturated region. All five boroughs are under Flash Flood Warnings, with streets and subway stations flooded and transportation systems disrupted. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to shelter in place and exercise extreme caution. Widespread rainfall of 3 to 5 inches is expected, with locally higher amounts up to 7 inches. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a State of Emergency, and flood rescue teams have been deployed. Coastal flooding is also affecting areas along the Atlantic seaboard.
Hong Kong experienced its heaviest rainfall in an hour since records began 140 years ago, leading to flash flooding and turning streets into raging rivers. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a black warning, but more than double the expected amount of rain fell. Parts of Hong Kong recorded over 200 mm of rainfall between 6 p.m. and midnight. The city government will decide on Friday morning whether it is safe to resume normal activities. Southern China also experienced heavy rain, exacerbating flooding caused by recent typhoons.
Four people, including two children, are missing in Nova Scotia, Canada, after torrential rains caused severe flooding. The region experienced three months' worth of rain in just 24 hours, leaving thousands of homes without electricity. Roads have been washed away, bridges weakened, and a state of emergency declared in some areas. The floods are the latest extreme weather event in northeast Canada, with recent wildfires and flooding in the US. Scientists believe such extreme rainfall is consistent with the changes expected in a warming world.
Heavy rainfall in southwestern Japan has caused devastating flooding and mudslides, resulting in at least six deaths, five missing persons, and 19 injuries. The Kyushu region has experienced record-breaking levels of rain, with some areas receiving more than 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) since Friday. Scientists warn that climate change is contributing to more severe rainfall events, leading to increased flooding. While countries like Japan are well-prepared, poorer nations are more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme rainfall due to lack of warning systems and flood defense measures.
New data from the nonprofit First Street Foundation shows that climate change is causing more devastating rains and flooding in parts of the United States. The group's peer-reviewed model reveals that the US government's current precipitation frequency estimates do not fully capture the frequency and severity of extreme precipitation in a changing climate. The study shows that what qualifies as a "1-in-100 year storm" is already happening more often in some places. The warming atmosphere is supercharging various weather-related disasters, including extreme rainfall, which poses serious challenges in a nation where aging infrastructure is increasingly outmatched.