Record Flood Emergencies in 2024 Signal Climate Threat

Extreme weather has plagued the United States this year, with a record number of flash flood emergencies highlighting the growing threat of climate change. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), there have been 91 flash flood emergencies issued in 2024, the highest since the classification was introduced in 2003. Flash flood emergencies, which are the most severe form of flood warning, make up only about 1% of all flash flood alerts, signaling a rare but catastrophic threat to life and property.

Kate Abshire, a hydrologist with the NWS, emphasized the seriousness of these emergencies. “It’s the ultimate tool in our toolkit,” she said, referring to the alerts as a warning of extreme danger that could cause devastating damage. This year’s floods have killed dozens of people, destroyed communities, and inflicted billions of dollars in damages across the country.

The latest flash flood emergency occurred in Roswell, New Mexico, where an unprecedented amount of rain — almost half of the city’s annual average — fell within a day. The sudden deluge turned streets into rivers, leading to multiple rescues and at least two fatalities. Such intense rainfall events, scientists warn, are becoming more common as the planet warms. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to more frequent and intense downpours.

A significant portion of this year’s flash flood emergencies can be linked to hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricanes Debby, Francine, Helene, and Milton accounted for roughly half of all flood emergencies issued in 2024. For example, Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina, brought unprecedented rainfall of up to 30 inches, causing severe flooding and extensive damage. Helene alone was responsible for over 30 flash flood emergencies, more than the total number of such alerts in all of 2023.

Experts also point to the impact of rising sea temperatures, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, which has seen record-high water temperatures this year. Warmer ocean waters provide more energy and moisture to tropical storms, making them stronger and more likely to cause heavy rainfall. The Gulf’s warm waters have fueled all the major hurricanes that hit the U.S. this year, contributing to their rapid intensification and moisture-laden systems.

In addition to tropical storms, compounding factors like wildfires have led to devastating flood events. Burn scars left by the South Fork and Salt fires in New Mexico became prone to flooding when heavy rains hit, as the scorched, barren soil could not absorb water. This combination of fire and flood resulted in catastrophic damage to local communities, illustrating the multifaceted dangers of extreme weather in a warming world.

As of 2024, there have been at least 45 major flood-related disaster declarations, according to FEMA. The United States has also faced 24 billion-dollar extreme weather disasters this year, stretching FEMA’s resources thin. Scientists warn that such disasters will continue to increase in frequency and severity as the planet warms, and the combination of rising temperatures and ocean heat drives extreme weather patterns.

The escalating frequency of these events highlights the urgent need for communities to prepare and adapt to a changing climate. As conditions worsen, the old norms may no longer apply, and new strategies will be essential to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on lives and infrastructure.