A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in 2022 found that climate change is likely to increase the number of days with severe thunderstorms in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States. The study also found that the storms are likely to be more intense, with higher winds and more rain. While the exact extent of the impact of climate change on severe thunderstorms is still being debated, it is clear that this is a serious threat that we need to take seriously.
Here are some of the ways that climate change is believed to be contributing to an increase in severe thunderstorm activity:
- Warmer air can hold more moisture, which provides more fuel for thunderstorms.
- Increased evaporation from warmer oceans can lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, which can also fuel thunderstorms.
- A warmer atmosphere can also lead to stronger winds, which can create the conditions for more severe thunderstorms.
- Climate change is also causing changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, which can lead to more frequent and intense thunderstorms in some areas.
It is important to note that not all thunderstorms are severe, and not all severe thunderstorms are caused by climate change. However, I think we can all agree that the intensity of rain fall and hail that comes along with these storms today, seems a lot more chaotic than it was perhaps 20 years ago. 2 months worth of rain is now being normalized to happen within a matter of a few days and in some cases, a few hours. The result of this phenomenon is widespread flooding.
Flooding is a natural disaster that can have a devastating impact on communities. In addition to causing property damage and loss of life, flooding can also contaminate local water supplies. This can lead to a number of health problems, including diarrhea, vomiting, and respiratory infections. When floodwaters rise, they can carry with them sewage, agricultural runoff, and other pollutants. This contaminated water can then seep into wells and other sources of drinking water. Additionally, floodwaters can damage water treatment plants, making it difficult to treat water safely.
The effects of flooding on local water supplies can be long-lasting. Earlier in July, state officials across the U.S Northeast in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, began warning residents about contaminated water following the mass floods that swept raw sewage, pesticides, runoff fuel and other types of pollutants into private and public water systems. And while the flood waters have receded and clean up efforts are ongoing, it may take months or even years for water treatment plants to fully recover especially if these facilities haven’t been properly funded by local governments. During this time, it is important to boil all drinking water before using it and it never hurts to continue that practice even after water advisories have been cleared.
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact on local water supplies. These include:
- Building levees and floodwalls: Levees and floodwalls can help to protect communities from flooding. Be sure to find out whether or not these levees and floodwalls have any significant impact on where you live. It’s no secret that certain neighborhoods and towns will be more protected than other areas and sometimes it’s by the design of those who have the most money.
- Upgrading stormwater drainage systems: Stormwater drainage systems can help to prevent flooding by carrying excess water away from communities. You should always contact your city officials whenever there is a problem with water drainage in your neighborhood.
- Educating residents about flooding risks: Residents should be aware of the risks of flooding and how to protect themselves. Do you know if you live in a flood plain or where’s the main source of your drinking water in your city or town? If flooding is a natural occurrence in your area, then it is possible that your water sources are being polluted more than you think.
- Supporting flood preparedness plans: Communities should have plans in place to respond to flooding events. How often does your city test it’s emergency broadcast system? Have they updated their technology to include text messages?
By taking these steps, we can help to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact on local water supplies.
In addition to the above, here are some additional tips for protecting your water supply during a flood:
- Turn off your water main if possible while flooding is happening. This can help to prevent contaminated water from entering your home.
- Cover your wellhead with a tarp or other protective material. This will help to prevent floodwaters from contaminating your well water.
- Create a rain garden. A rain garden is designed to temporarily hold and soak up excess water. Some of the benefits of a rain garden include: They’re incredibly low maintenance and won’t need watering. They can absorb up to 30% more water than just grass.
- Bring your water in from outside. If you have any water stored in containers outside, bring it inside where it will be safe from contamination.
- Boil your water before using it for drinking, cooking, or bathing. This will kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the water.
- Install backflow valves. Backflow valves prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your water supply. This is important if your home is located near a floodplain.
- Test your water regularly. After a flood, it is important to test your water for contamination. This can be done by a certified laboratory.
Even if flooding isn’t a major concern for you, there are many other ways that our natural water sources can become polluted. If you want to be proactive in fortifying your home filtration, then check out this post for tips.