National Weather Service offices across the U.S. have issued a record number of flash flood warnings so far this year.
Why it matters: Although the Des Moines metro hasn’t reached a historic number of warnings this year, the severity of recent storms has exceeded previous records, leaving many residents dealing with trail closures, road disruptions and flooded basements.
- Scientists who spoke to Axios say the events highlight the risk that climate change can worsen extreme rainstorms.
The latest: Storms that developed Sunday did not quickly move out of parts of Des Moines, bringing significant rain.
- The total at Des Moines International Airport was 2.77 inches, exceeding the previous July 20 record set in 1907 by more than a third of an inch.
- In total, Des Moines received over 4 inches of rain in the three days ending Sunday, WHO-13 reports.
The intrigue: DSM also recorded nearly 4 inches of rain on May 19, setting a one-day record for that month.
State of play: Flash flood warnings are issued when a flood is imminent or already occurring…