Meteorologists Warn of Spring Flood Hazards Across the US Amid Climate Change Concerns

Meteorologists are warning of potential spring floods in much of the United States, with about 44% of the country susceptible to flooding, according to Ed Clark, director of the National Water Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The eastern United States, including the Mississippi River Basin, is at a particular risk of flooding.

The Sierra Nevada mountain range’s exceptional snowpack and elevated soil moisture in the West are also raising the risk of spring floods along much of California’s coast.

The increase in moisture in the Pacific, due to the Madden Julian Oscillation and the southward movement of the jet stream, has contributed to the extreme winter precipitation over California.

The water level in Lake Powell is expected to rise 34 feet due to spring snowmelt, but the lake will only fill to 36% of its capacity because it is at a record low level for this time of year.

Moreover, almost 1.5 million people along the Mississippi River are currently under serious flood hazards this spring.

According to NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad, climate change is driving both wet and dry extremes, contributing to the significant increase in rainfall over the past few months.

However, the amount of moderate to extreme drought that currently affects most of California and the Great Basin is at its lowest level since August 2020.

The potential for widespread flooding this spring in the US highlights the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

As the world continues to grapple with climate change, it is crucial to take action to mitigate its effects and protect vulnerable communities from the devastating impact of natural disasters.

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