As Debby continues its trajectory through the southeastern United States, residents are bracing for significant impacts, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
The Climate Connection
Recent research has highlighted the role of climate change in exacerbating the intensity of storms like Hurricane Debby.
Warmer ocean temperatures are supercharging these storms by pumping additional moisture into them. A 2022 study published in the journal Nature Communications found that climate change has increased hourly rainfall rates in tropical storms by 5 to 10% and in hurricanes by 8 to 11%.
This increase in rainfall can lead to more severe flooding and damage in affected areas.
Historic Rainfall Anticipated
Hurricane Debby began dumping rain on parts of Florida on Sunday, with expectations of historic rainfall amounts over the southeastern United States. The NHC noted, “Conditions are favorable for strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico with warm sea surface temperatures and light shear. Intensification is likely to be slow during the first 12–24 hours, then proceed at a faster rate after the cyclone develops an organized inner core.”
