Texas experienced catastrophic flash floods due to extremely heavy rainfall, with estimates of up to 12 inches in South Central Texas. Climate change is leading to more extreme rainstorms across the U.S., resulting in shorter, more intense downpours and increasing the likelihood of dangerous floods. The rapid accumulation of rain overwhelms the ground, especially in hilly areas, directing water into low regions and causing flash floods. Texas, known as Flash Flood Alley, is particularly vulnerable. Studies indicate that climate change is causing storms to deliver 20% more rainfall than decades prior, with predictions for increased frequency of extreme rain in the future.
The catastrophic flash floods in Texas over the weekend were caused by extremely heavy rain, with up to 12 inches falling in South Central Texas.
Climate change is driving more extreme rain storms across much of the U.S., which drop more water in shorter periods, making dangerous floods more likely.
A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to storms dropping about 20% more rain than they did in the late 1950s.
Extreme rain in Texas is expected to become more frequent in the coming decade as the climate warms even further.
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