Climate Change Causing Heavier Rain Events

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – While we may not notice the 3-degree temperature rise, it may be time to get to higher ground for flooding concerns.

You’ve heard it before: the increased temperatures and additional moisture in the atmosphere brings the risk of heavier rain events. It’s what climatologists have been talking about for a while now.

While Wisconsin has endured a 3-degree temperature rise, the tropical moisture adds juice to the storms. Since the 1950s, our state has become nearly five inches wetter. What we just went through may be historically rare, but it’s seemingly becoming more and more common today.

From the floods in Texas that struck and killed in early July, to parts of Chicago with cars underwater soon after. Now, Juneau Alaska is under evacuation for a major record glacial melt. And here, Wisconsin tries to dry out and pick up the pieces that were washed away.

After hours of downpouring rain soaked many parts of the Milwaukee area last weekend, rivers rapidly rose, creating record crests on the Menomonee River and 24-hour rainfall rates under review that totaled nearly a foot or more. People’s belongings are ruined, and they have their hands deep into their pocket books now, with plenty of headaches still ahead.

Storm chasers knocked on their doors during the day and offered scams or quick fixes that we need to be aware of. That occurs because flood insurance isn’t included in many policies. FEMA won’t kick in unless it’s declared a federal disaster. Meanwhile, this is considered a 1,000 year flood event.

It’s not common for Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District to release water into Lake Michigan. Sewage spilled into the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River and Lake Michigan shores and around boat launches. 

In case you’re wondering, one foot of rain is equivalent to 10 feet of snow.

More rain is forecasted in the state this weekend – northern areas could get hit hard, dragging the risk for flooding right back in again.

New analysis from the Wisconsin Policy Forum says data from the National Flood Insurance Program has jumped in the past three decades, stating that the climate has warmed and extreme rains are more likely.