Rising waters raise concerns, the science behind more frequent flooding

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Heavy rainfall has impacted several parts of the country, resulting in intense flooding. Flooding incidents are becoming frequent, and many people are wondering why this is happening.

Professor Michael Morgan, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, says that climate data reports that air temperatures are increasing, allowing for the atmosphere to hold more moisture by way of water vapor.

A study done by the Climate Center using NOAA data reports that hourly rainfall rates have increased by about 15% since 1970. An increase in rainfall rates results in faster water accumulation, leading to flooding.

Moisture laden areas “help to produce the really heavy rainfall rates,” Morgan says. Rainfall rates and increasing all over the country, and we’ve the effects of this, especially in southern states, like Texas.

Morgan says that the National Weather Service did, in fact, issue Flash Flood Watches and Warning several hours prior to the flooding. “[There] was a breakdown in the communication chain,” Morgan explained, “That led to folks not being able to get out of harm's way.”

Whether the risk is drowning, electrocution or even water borne diseases, the National Weather Service is working tirelessly to fine tune flooding forecasts to make them location specific.

This will not only keep the line of communication open between the NWS and emergency responders but will also prepare locals for flooding threats ahead of time.