A research team led by the University of Oklahoma, with the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory and collaborators at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, have created simulations from coupledand hydrologic models that demonstrate widespread increases in the occurrences of flash flooding events across most of the United States.
The research team used climate simulations and modeling of a 30-year period, 2070-2100, to predict the location and degree to which flash floods are likely to occur. The effect, what the researchers call"flashiness," describes the likelihood of weather conditions that can cause rapid rainfall and lead to flash flooding.
"More people will have to learn not just how to survive floods but also how to better live with ever-increasing flash floods," said Hong."The 20-year return floods will more likely occur every two to five years, especially alarming for the emerging flashiness hotspots that will be facing unprecedented challenges with aging infrastructure and outdated flood risk measures.
NaturePortfolio Phew, good thing they're almost always extremly wrong!