Climate Change Drives Deadly Flash Floods: What Experts Say 2026

Climate change is driving increasingly common bouts of heavy rain in the US that cause deadly and damaging flash floods, experts say. A year after deadly flooding in central Texas that swept through a children’s summer camp, the state and other parts of the United States are again experiencing unusually heavy rain. Over the last month, states like Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have all experienced record rainfall, causing flash flooding across the country. Despite climate scientists’ forecasts and tragic events like the flood at Camp Mystic in Texas, experts argue that some government officials are not investing enough money and political capital to upgrade infrastructure and restrict where people can build to accommodate the new, wetter normal.

Why Climate Change Intensifies Flash Floods

Heavy precipitation events have become more common because the oceans and air have warmed, which has caused evaporation to increase and put more water vapor into the atmosphere, said Jennifer Francis, senior scientist with the Woodwell Climate Research Center. That vapor is a greenhouse gas, which creates a positive feedback loop. It’s also “a fuel for storms” because hurricanes feed off it, and it provides storms “more water to work with”, Francis explained. That heavy rainfall is more likely to cause flash flooding in hilly areas where the soil does not allow much water to enter the ground; densely populated places where highways and buildings reduce the amount of water absorbed by the ground.

Infrastructure Challenges in a Changing Climate

“We have basically built for a climate that no longer exists, and retrofitting our infrastructure is a slow and expensive process,” said Alice Hill, a senior fellow for energy and the environment at the Council on Foreign Relations. “Adding to that challenge is the fact that in many places, climate change – the term – is a dirty word, and that can reduce the initiative to make sure that any investments made today can carry the excess rainfall.” Many cities and towns rely on stormwater systems designed decades ago, which are now overwhelmed by more intense and frequent downpours. Upgrading these systems to handle higher volumes of water is critical but often delayed due to cost and political resistance.

Record Rainfall Across the US

Over the last month, states like Alaska, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have all experienced record rainfall, causing flash flooding across the country. These events are not isolated; they reflect a broader trend linked to global warming. The following table compares recent rainfall records in select states:

Key Takeaways on Flash Flood Risks

• Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heavy rain events.
• Warming oceans and air add more water vapor to the atmosphere, fueling storms.
• Flash floods are more dangerous in hilly or urban areas with poor drainage.
• Infrastructure upgrades are urgently needed but face political and financial hurdles.
• Building restrictions in flood-prone zones can reduce future damage and loss of life.

FAQ

As climate change continues to intensify, the threat of flash floods will only grow. Communities must act now to adapt infrastructure and land-use policies to protect lives and property from these increasingly dangerous events.