A new satellite mission, SWOT, will enhance flood modeling globally, even in extensively studied regions. It will provide more accurate floodplain maps and predictions for areas affected by snowmelt, hurricanes, and ice jam breakup.
Tropical Storm Lorena's strong bands of thunderstorms swept over the western parts of Michoacan and Colima states, bringing heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash floods. The storm's center moved along the southwestern coast of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds reaching near 70 mph.
Research found that people experiencing storm and flood damage are about 50% more likely to experience poorer mental health, even when the damage is minor. The study suggests that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods in the UK, highlighting the need for mental health support.
A large international study led by TU Wien demonstrates climate change's influence on river flood magnitude. Regional patterns show changes in flood severity and frequency, with northwestern Europe experiencing increasing floods and southern Europe seeing decreasing flood levels.
A large international research project found that climate change is impacting the severity of flood events across Europe. Floods are increasing in central and north-western Europe due to rising precipitation and soil humidity, while decreasing in southern Europe where warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation.
Researchers at Princeton University have created new maps that predict coastal flooding for every county on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts. The study finds that 100-year floods could become annual occurrences in Northern coastal towns, primarily due to sea level rise. In more southern latitudes, storms are expected to increase in strength...
Researchers analyzed a 120-year data set to confirm climate change's impact on precipitation events and floods. The study found six of seven highest precipitation events occurred within the last 20 years, with three storms resulting in abnormally large floods.
A new study of UK lake sediment records has found that recent floods in Northern England were the largest in 600 years, highlighting the impact of climate changes. The research uses lake sediment records and river flow data to establish long-term flood frequency models, aiming to improve flood risk management in the UK.
Researchers found that Texas' major rivers produce enough water to store almost two-thirds of the state's flow capacity. Capturing this water could partially mitigate floods and droughts. The study's discovery fills a niche in understanding the potential for aquifer storage projects across the state.
Researchers find that severity of wildfire and rainfall intensity affect stability and destruction of step-pool units, impacting habitats and benthic organisms. Management strategies vary from 'leave alone' to active channel management based on burn severity.
A UCL-led study found that engaging households in evidence-based face-to-face workshops increases long-term disaster preparedness. Households that received training showed significant improvements in safety measures such as securing objects and having functioning smoke detectors.
A new Portland State University study found that East Portland's low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately exposed to floods and urban heat islands. The research team mapped winter flood and summer heat hazard potential, testing it against sociodemographic and physical variables at a neighborhood scale.
Researchers found that soil treatments mimicking floods led to the highest woolly star survival rate, while no treatment favored invasive grasses. The study suggests that restoring natural flood pulses can help reestablish the plant species in degraded habitats.
The OU-led SCIPP is a multi-institutional research team focused on helping south central US communities build resilience to weather and climate extremes. The project aims to improve adaptability, planning, and preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.
Researchers from Canada and Germany used a supercomputer to simulate climate trends in Quebec and Bavaria from 1950 to 2100, providing insights into severe flooding dynamics under changing climate conditions. The study's results showed good agreement with historical climate data, confirming the predictive power of the simulations.
Researchers at VTT developed a new and more accurate method for estimating the probability of extreme events, such as storms, floods, and earthquakes. The new method improves estimation accuracy, especially when data is limited, and contributes to economically optimal safety in natural hazard preparation.
A recent study published by University of Queensland researchers sheds light on the responses of various species to major climate events. The research found that extreme weather events such as cyclones, droughts, and floods are causing unpredictable changes to ecosystems, leading to population declines and local extinctions.
A new study reveals that regions worldwide are experiencing more extreme weather events, with heavy rainfall in North America and Europe, while Africa sees an increase in droughts. The study suggests that human-caused climate change is driving these changes, with significant impacts on people's livelihoods.
A new study uses citizen science to enhance flood forecasting by integrating water level data into models. The Hydrological Alert Model with Participatory Basis (HAMPB) model has shown promising results in improving forecast accuracy.
Heavy precipitation fell in California wildfire areas, causing evacuations and flash floods, with IMERG data showing rainfall totals between 6.3-9.4 inches in north central California.
A new study reveals that climate change is impacting human health, food supply, infrastructure, and economy through 467 ways, including warming, drought, heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, floods, and sea level rise. By 2100, the number of hazards occurring concurrently will increase, making it difficult for people to cope.
New research found that overflowing crater lakes on Mars carved canyons rapidly, possibly in weeks, using high-resolution satellite images. This process likely played a major role in shaping Mars' surface without plate tectonics.
A recent study by Michigan State University found that floods significantly transport large amounts of organic carbon through ecosystems, contrary to the traditional view of the carbon cycle as vertical. The research analyzed over 1,000 watersheds across the US and found that wetlands play a crucial role in storing and releasing carbon.
A new study found that climate change drove the Harappans to resettle in smaller villages in the Himalayan foothills. The research, led by Liviu Giosan, suggests that changing weather patterns made agriculture difficult near cities, leading to a massive migration.
A global analysis by Columbia Engineers reveals a significant increase in storm runoff extremes driven by both climate change and human-induced changes. The study suggests that projected responses of storm runoff extremes will dramatically increase, threatening ecosystem resilience and infrastructure systems.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the remnants of Tropical Storm Tara, which had weakened to maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The storm produced scattered thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, posing a threat of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in Mexico.
Hurricane Michael has moved inland, with NASA tracking its movement and predicting heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods in the Mid-Atlantic States and coastal southern New England.
Researchers will integrate citizen science data from CrowdHydrology into the National Water Model to improve predictions of flooding. The project aims to enhance communication about flooding during emergencies and connect first responders with accurate, near real-time data.
Tropical Storm Kirk brought intense rain to the Leeward Islands on September 28, with the heaviest downpours recorded near its center. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected hourly rainfall rates of up to 4 inches per hour, posing a risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
A recent study reveals a significant increase in the frequency and severity of floods on the Amazon River, with extreme floods occurring every four years. The research attributes this change to changes in the surrounding seas, particularly the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Scientists investigate the type characteristics of extreme precipitation events and their flood risk in the Yangtze-Huaihe River Valley. Persistent EPEs are linked to continuous flood peaks and severe floods. The study also identifies areas with high flood risk, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions.
A study by researchers from UNIGE reveals that global warming 56 million years ago had a more significant impact on the environment than currently thought, with floods increasing by a factor of eight and landscapes transforming into arid plains.
A potential sixth tropical cyclone is forming in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean, with NASA detecting strong storms and coldest cloud tops as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The system is expected to move near or over the southern Cabo Verde Islands on Friday, Aug. 31, posing a threat of life-threatening flash floods.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a system to harness data from smartphones to forecast weather patterns, particularly those that lead to flash floods. The smartphone sensors can monitor various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing valuable data for accurate forecasts.
A recent study by researchers at Uppsala University reveals that catastrophic flood events can lead to decreased human proximity to rivers, particularly in areas with low structural flood protection. This shift may help reduce exposure to future flooding events.
Human settlements with low flood protection levels tend to resettle further away from rivers after floods. Satellite data analysis in 16 countries showed that the distance between humans and rivers increased, especially in areas with high flood fatalities.
A review of research on summer weather stalling highlights the impact of Arctic warming on air circulation patterns, leading to more frequent extreme weather events. The study suggests that prolonged sunny episodes can turn into heat waves and heavy rainfall, posing a major climate risk.
Heavy rainfall caused flash floods and power outages in Virginia and Texas, while NASA's IMERG program estimated rainfall totals of over 8 inches in some areas. The analysis was based on satellite data from the GPM mission and used algorithms developed by NASA's PMM science team.
Climate change poses unprecedented flood risk unless timely adaptation measures are taken in Europe. Coastal defense structures need to be installed or reinforced to withstand increasing extreme sea levels.
A landmark study by Newcastle University researchers finds that heavy, short rain storms are intensifying rapidly in Australia, leading to increased flash flood and urban flooding risks. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, shows that these extreme events are substantially larger than expected under climate change.
A £340,000 research project is examining the history of farming in the Amazon region. Dr Bronwen Whitney and her team are reconstructing the long-term agricultural history of Llanos de Mojos using palaeoethnobotany and landscape archaeology.
Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a key gene responsible for deepwater rice's ability to thrive in flood conditions. The SD1 gene enables the plant to increase its height and accumulate ethylene, allowing it to ride out lengthy floods.
Tropical Depression Carlotta has powerful storms in fragmented thunderstorms over mainland Mexico and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Hurricane Center forecasts heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash floods, especially in areas of higher terrain.
Tropical Depression 04E formed near Mexico's coast on June 14 and was analyzed by NASA's Aqua satellite, which detected the strongest storms in infrared light. The depression brought heavy rainfall to coastal cities, with forecasters predicting life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Hurricane Bud has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to southwestern Mexico. The storm is predicted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, as well as life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
A new study assesses the economic impact of intensifying river floods on a global scale, finding that China's flood damages could affect EU and US industries. The US economy may be particularly vulnerable due to its unbalanced trade relation with China, while stronger trade relations could mitigate losses.
Research in South Africa's Kruger National Park has shown that climate change is destroying sensitive and valuable riverine habitats due to extreme floods. The study found that cyclone-driven floods removed almost 1.25 million tonnes of sediment from the river bed, leading to patches of mature riparian forest being destroyed.
A study published in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences found that drowning caused 80% of Harvey deaths, with most fatalities occurring outside the 100-year floodplain. The researchers suggest improving flood maps and communication to reduce risk during future floods.
A recent study revealed a dramatic rise in extreme floods on the Mississippi River over the past century, largely due to human modifications such as artificial levees. The research also uncovered a link between flooding and natural fluctuations in Pacific and Atlantic Ocean water temperatures.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found a dramatic increase in flooding on coastal roads along the East Coast, with 90 percent more frequent high tide floods occurring over the past 20 years. The study estimates that tidal nuisance flooding will cause over 3.4 billion hours of delays by 2100.
Researchers assess whether extreme weather events like Hurricane Harvey impact invasive pests, pollinators and other species. The team evaluates changes in ant communities to determine if floods accelerated the invasion process by invasive fire ants and tawny crazy ants.
A Princeton University historian team analyzed four case studies to understand how societies coped with natural stresses, revealing socioeconomic factors often played a more significant role than environmental changes. Historians' nuanced interpretation adds context to past events, helping policymakers prepare for global climate change.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a 1.5C temperature increase could lead to the permanent inundation of lands home to about 5 million people by 2150. The research team used global tide gauges and sea level projection frameworks to explore differences in storm surge events across three scenarios.
A 2015 flood in south central Oklahoma led to a 93% decrease in invertebrate abundance, a 60% decrease in species presence, and a 64% decrease in biomass among insects and other invertebrates. Only well-adapted creatures were quick to return.
GOES satellites help track thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and flash floods, while also supporting search and rescue efforts through their transponders,
A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.
New research finds that high workloads and targets lead to psychological stress, demotivation, and reduced initiative among healthcare staff. This exposes healthcare services to major risk of staff shortage and inoperability during disasters.
A new study reveals that European cities will experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and flooding due to climate change. Southern Europe will see the biggest increases in heatwave days and temperatures, while central Europe will face the greatest temperature increases during heatwaves.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed an empirical model that accurately predicts atmospheric river activity in the western US three weeks in advance. This breakthrough could enhance long-term weather forecasting capabilities, allowing for earlier warnings of extreme precipitation, floods, and droughts.
Researchers at Utah State University developed a method using aerial imagery to estimate river discharge, filling data gaps in smaller rivers and streams. The approach combines image processing techniques and hydraulic modeling for accurate flow estimates.