Scientists warn climate change is fueling more frequent, intense flash floods nationwide
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — From Texas to North Carolina, scientists say flash floods are not only becoming more frequent but also growing in intensity.
As of Tuesday, the devastating flash flooding in Texas has claimed the lives of over 100 people. This comes not even ten months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.
According to the National Weather Service, flash floods are the nation’s number one storm-related killer.
“During Helene, they talked a lot about it being a once-in-a-thousand-year event or more,” Carl Schreck, senior research scholar with NCSU and NC Institute for Climate Studies, told News 13.
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According to Climate Central, rainfall rates today are now 15% higher than in 1970.
“That’s not taking into account climate change, where these events are starting to happen more frequently,” Schreck added. “So, the same rainfall today will have more moisture to work with and cause more rain than it would have 50 or 100 years ago.”
Scientists say climate change is one of the main causes. They say that as the planet warms, storms get stronger and rain gets heavier.
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“A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture in it,” said Tom Di Liberto with Climate Central.
Climate Central reported that for every one degree of warming, the air can hold four percent more moisture, leading to heavier downfalls. WLOS Chief Meteorologist Jason Boyer says the landscapes of certain areas can also play a role. He broke down the difference between the flooding in Texas and Hurricane Helene.
“With the rainfall here in Western North Carolina, we were able to push it down into several different river stems and flush it. Even though we had flash flooding, it could have been much worse. In Texas, they only had the Guadalupe and Colorado River,” Boyer said.
But it is not just the floodwaters that pose a threat; they can cause a chain reaction of landslides and erosion.
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“I think it’s clearly shown over the past couple of years that we are clearly not prepared. Let alone [we don’t know] how that extreme weather is going to change over the years due to climate change,” said Di Liberto.
Scientists say that to better prepare, people must be educated on the dangers of living by a river and listen to warnings when they are presented.
Meteorologists warn that it is important to have an emergency kit in case of flash floods.
An emergency kit should be stocked with food for at least three days, prescription medication and important papers such as insurance, birth certificates and licenses.