Historic flooding devastates regions across the central and southern United States

In early April 2023, an extraordinarily powerful atmospheric river led to severe flooding incidents in the central and southern United States, affecting areas from northeastern Texas to the Kentucky-Ohio border. This event showcased the differing impacts atmospheric rivers can have in the East versus the West, challenging the common belief that they are less impactful in eastern regions. Reports indicate that within just three to four days, some localities experienced over a foot of rain, resulting in devastating consequences for communities, businesses, and infrastructure. The flooding situation was worsened by the interaction of the atmospheric river with existing weather patterns. The amount of moisture transported into the eastern half of the United States was notable even by historical standards. Experts from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, such as Jay Cordeira, highlighted that a Category 5 atmospheric river during this timeframe was particularly exceptional. Eastern storms often reach their peak intensity after making landfall, which contributes to substantial rainfall and subsequent flooding risks for the populations living there. Businesses along the Ohio River faced grave challenges during this time, with many restaurants and breweries forced to close due to inundation. Drew's on the River, which was entirely submerged, managed to reopen thanks to the swift support of community volunteers, though the cleanup process was labor-intensive and difficult. Other establishments, such as 13 Below Brewery, also reported significant damages as they scrambled to recover from the flood’s destruction, where outdoor furniture was swept away and heavy mud accumulated in the premises. Scientists have been examining the relationship between rising global temperatures due to fossil fuel pollution and the increased frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers. They argue that these phenomena are becoming more commonly recognized as crucial contributors to water supply and flood risks across many regions, especially in the United States. Using Kentucky and Tennessee as prime examples, the right climatic conditions emerged that led to significant moisture influx and subsequent flooding during this event. Continuous monitoring and research are essential to better understand how these atmospheric events interact with climate change and evolving weather patterns.