Extreme rain shifts toward larger, less frequent storms across eastern US
Extreme precipitation events are among the most damaging natural disasters and a major concern in our changing climate. In the U.S., since 1980, the most destructive events alone have caused more than 2,800 deaths and $700 billion in damages. But what is the total area of the country affected by these events each year? And how have these patterns changed over the past several decades? In a recent…
The eastern part of the United States has seen a shift towards larger, less frequent extreme rainfall events since 1980, according to a recent study. While small-area extreme rainfall events have become less common, large-area extreme storms have become more frequent. This change may increase the likelihood of widespread flooding and infrastructure impacts, as a greater area of the country experiences heavy rain on the same day.
Researchers at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia Climate School, found that the total area affected by extreme rainfall events across the U.S. has changed over time. The study suggests that understanding the causes of these changes is crucial for predicting future precipitation patterns and potential impacts.
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