Some weather experts say the recent flooding that devastated Yellowstone National Park underscores an urgent need to update how the government issues forecasts as extreme weather becomes more frequent.
As a cleanup expected to last months grinds on, climate experts and meteorologists say the gap between the destruction and what was forecast underscores a troublesome aspect of climate change: Models used to predict storm impacts do not always keep up with increasingly devastating rainstorms, hurricanes, heat waves and other events.
The deadly June 2021 heat wave that scorched the Pacific Northwest offered another example. Warmer weather had been expected, but not temperatures of up to 116 degrees that toppled previous records andThe surprise Yellowstone floods prompted a nighttime scramble to close off roads and bridges getting swept away by the water, plus rushed evacuations that missed some people. No one died, somewhat miraculously, as more than 400 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Rock Creek, which runs through the city of Red Lodge and normally is placid and sometimes just ankle deep, became a raging river. When the weather service issued a flood warning for the creek, the water already had surged over its banks and begun to knock down bridges.By the time the warning was went, “we already knew it was too late,” said Scott Williams, a commissioner for Carbon County, Montana, which borders Yellowstone.
Local authorities say sheriff’s deputies and others knocked on doors in Red Lodge and a second community that flooded. But they acknowledged not everyone was reached as numerous rivers and streams overflowed, swamping areas never known previously to flood.While no single weather event can be conclusively tied to climate change, scientists said the Yellowstone flooding was consistent with changes already documented around the park as temperatures warm.
The rate of the most extreme rainstorms has increased by a factor of five, Masters said. So an event with a 1% chance of happening in any given year — commonly referred to as a “one in 100-year” event — now has a 5% chance of happening, he said.“We are literally re-writing our weather history book,” said University of Oklahoma Meteorology Professor Jason Furtado.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Yellowstone flooding reveals forecast flaws as climate warmsSome weather experts say the recent flooding that devastated Yellowstone National Park underscores an urgent need to update how the government issues forecasts as extreme weather becomes more frequent
Read more »
Australia flood, boosted by climate change, making history in SydneyThe city is experiencing its wettest year on record after 8 inches of rain in recent days.
Read more »
Flawed devices and Covid-19 diagnosesStudies have shown pulse oximeters often can overestimate blood oxygen levels in people with dark skin, leading doctors to underestimate their disease severity and delay treatment. The inaccuracies may have contributed to the pandemic’s toll.
Read more »
Stuck in Your Own Spotlight MiseryOther people don't notice our flaws and mistakes nearly as much or as often as we think they do. Here's why.
Read more »
Yellowstone Officials Issue Alert on 'Unpredictable' Threat — Best LifeOfficials from Yellowstone National Park have issued a new alert to stay away from bison after they recently injured multiple visitors.
Read more »
Keep Warm on Chilly Summer Nights With These 9 Outdoor HeatersThe best way to enjoy chilly nights. 🔥
Read more »