Dangerous heavy rains are getting more likely and widespread
The top 11 extreme rain events in the contiguous U.S. over the past 77 years have caused at least $2 billion in damage, with six of the top 10 highest-volume precipitation events occurring between 2016 and 2020. Studies have shown that human-caused climate change made four of these recent events more likely and/or more extreme.
The contiguous U.S. has experienced extreme rain events causing over $2 billion in damage in the past 77 years, with the top event being Category 4 Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Harvey delivered nearly 25 inches of rain over 50,000 square kilometers in Texas, resulting in $165 billion in damages. Six of the top 10 highest-volume U.S. precipitation events occurred between 2016 and 2020, suggesting climate change is increasing the odds of extreme rain. Studies have shown human-caused climate change made four of these events more likely and/or extreme. Slow-moving tropical cyclones tend to dump more concentrated rains, increasing flood threats. Kenneth Kunkel's analysis of four-day rainfall totals over 50,000 square kilometers identified the top 11 events, with only five reaching hurricane strength.
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