As extreme rainfall events become increasingly common due to climate change, Texas finds itself grappling with the consequences. The state, regularly buffeted by a range of weather extremes, recently experienced catastrophic flooding that engulfed the region.
With rising temperatures from burning fossil fuels, warm air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier storms. When these storms strike, they often come with outdated infrastructure and inadequate warning systems, creating the perfect recipe for disaster.
This was starkly evident in the Hill Country where the Guadalupe River, infamous for rapid flooding, dramatically surged from three feet to a staggering 34 feet in just 90 minutes during a recent downpour. According to atmospheric scientist Russ Schumacher, the likelihood of such a rainfall event happening in a given year is less than one in a thousand.
As humid air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler air from the Great Plains, Texas is left vulnerable, with hilly terrain amplifying the impact. With the increasing frequency of these extreme weather events, it's clear that communities need to invest in more robust infrastructure and improved emergency systems to prepare for the future.