A severe storm triggered a 1,000-year flood in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, dropping over 20 inches of rain. Experts link the extreme weather to climate change.
BollywoodFever: A powerful storm brought a shocking 1,000-year flood to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, on Monday, dumping over 20 inches of rain in less than a day. The storm left homes submerged, roads washed out, and residents stunned as flash flooding overwhelmed the region.
While forecasters had predicted heavy rain, the extreme amount—much higher than expected—has been linked to climate change, according to experts. Andrew Kruczkiewicz, senior researcher at the Columbia Climate School, explained that warming atmospheric conditions allow for more intense rainfalls over shorter periods, a growing concern for vulnerable coastal areas.
The Deluge
The storm dropped over 18 inches of rain in 12 hours in Carolina Beach, with the total rainfall surpassing 21 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Meteorologists described the event as creating a “firehose effect,” with a narrow band of rain hitting parts of just two counties, while nearby areas, like Ocean Isle Beach, saw far less rain.
Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee said the town was unprepared for such an intense and prolonged downpour, despite the region’s experience with tropical storms and hurricanes. “I’ve never seen it rain so hard for so long,” Barbee said, noting that the storm sat on the town for hours.
Climate Change’s Role in the Flood
Experts pointed out that storms like this are becoming more common as the climate warms. “Data shows one of the strongest relationships between climate change and precipitation is that as the atmosphere warms, the capacity to hold water increases,” Kruczkiewicz explained.
Unlike hurricane storm surges, which push water in from the ocean, this event saw massive amounts of rain falling directly from the sky, causing widespread flooding in areas that had never flooded before.
Aftermath and Recovery
The deluge closed roads, submerged cars, and disrupted daily life across Brunswick County. U.S. Highway 17, the main coastal route, was flooded at several points, stranding drivers. Emergency responders delivered food and water to those stuck on high ground.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for the affected counties, providing additional aid for recovery efforts. This flood follows several others in recent decades, including Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Florence in 2018.
As the Atlantic hurricane season continues through November, officials warn residents to stay prepared. With sea surface temperatures nearing record highs, forecasters predict a highly active season, with the potential for more extreme weather events.
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