Unprecedented Rainfall in Southeast U.S.: Over 40 Trillion Gallons from Hurricane Helene and Other Storms

Over 40 trillion gallons of rain fell in the Southeast U.S. in a week due to Hurricane Helene and other storms. This unprecedented rainfall caused significant flooding, leading to over 100 fatalities. Experts attribute this event to a combination of storm systems exacerbated by climate change, indicating growing concerns for future weather patterns.

In recent days, the Southeast United States experienced an unprecedented deluge, with over 40 trillion gallons of rain falling due to the effects of Hurricane Helene along with additional rainstorms. This staggering volume of precipitation is remarkable; it could fill the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium more than 51,000 times or cover the state of North Carolina to a depth of 3.5 feet. To put it into perspective, this rainfall is equivalent to more than 60 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Ed Clark, who leads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Center, stated, “That’s an astronomical amount of precipitation. I have not seen something in my 25 years of working at the weather service that is this geographically large in extent and of the sheer volume of water that fell from the sky.” The consequences of this rainfall have been devastating, with more than 100 reported fatalities due to flooding. Ryan Maue, a private meteorologist and former NOAA chief scientist, discovered this staggering figure using advanced precipitation mapping techniques. His calculations revealed that of the 40 trillion gallons tallied, 20 trillion gallons impacted states including Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Florida specifically from Hurricane Helene. Further analysis by Clark corroborated Maue’s calculations, deeming them “about right and, if anything, conservative.” Clark emphasizes that this rainfall amount surpasses double the total water held in two key reservoirs in the Colorado River basin—Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Meteorologists attributed this rainfall to a convergence of several storm systems. Prior to Helene’s arrival, heavy rains had fallen for days due to a stalled low-pressure system in the Southeast that funneled warm air and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. An additional storm system lingered off the North Carolina coast, delivering as much as 20 inches of rain. Helene itself, one of the largest storms recently observed, added to this intense rainfall due to its young age and rapid movement over the Appalachian Mountains. Kristen Corbosiero, an expert in hurricane studies, noted, “It was not just a perfect storm, but it was a combination of multiple storms that led to the enormous amount of rain.” The geography of the region exacerbated the flooding; rainfall over mountainous areas resulted in heightened runoff and moisture extraction from the air, according to Clark, Maue, and Corbosiero. North Carolina climatologists recorded a maximum measurement of 31.33 inches in Busick, while Mount Mitchell received over two feet. The increasing frequency and severity of such storms can be partially attributed to climate change. Warm air holds more moisture, with estimates suggesting a nearly 4% increase in moisture capacity for every degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature. Climate scientists have noted a global average increase of over 2 degrees Fahrenheit since pre-industrial times. A rapid, preliminary assessment conducted by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab suggested that climate change contributed to a 50% increase in rainfall amounts during Helene in certain regions of Georgia and the Carolinas. Kathie Dello, a state climatologist, remarked on the distinct evidence, stating, “We have seen tropical storm impacts in western North Carolina. But these storms are wetter and these storms are warmer.” The evolution of storm patterns presents serious concerns for future weather events, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and preparedness as the frequency of extreme weather increases.

The article discusses the extraordinary rainfall amounts in the Southeast United States over a recent week, primarily due to Hurricane Helene and additional rainstorms. Meteorologists highlight the vast quantity of water that has fallen, framing it within the context of its unprecedented nature and the resulting catastrophic impacts. The piece also touches upon how climate change is influencing the rainfall patterns and severity of storms, providing insights from credible meteorologists and climatologists.

In summary, the Southeast United States has endured a historical level of rainfall totaling over 40 trillion gallons within the span of a week, attributed to Hurricane Helene and other storm systems. The implications of such extreme weather are grave, with a disturbing rise in fatalities and significant flooding consequences. Experts warn that the trends of increasing storm intensity and rainfall volumes can be linked to climate change—a pressing issue that demands urgent attention and sophisticated forecasting to mitigate future disasters.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com