The debate about climate change continues. Hurricane Helene’s intensity and havoc in the southeast has raised a question. The question of the correlation between the two. Within its understanding is the political debate as well.
At a Glance
- Hurricane Helene upended the idea of Asheville, NC as a climate haven.
- Climate change factors deeply influence relocation choices across the U.S.
- Extreme rainfall is driving updates in infrastructure planning.
- NOAA projects a warmer climate with intensified hurricane activity.
A New Reality for Climate Havens
Hurricane Helene raised doubts about places like Asheville, North Carolina being “climate havens” after causing significant damage far from the coast. Scientists note that factors such as warming temperatures and global climate shifts are making it hard to find any location entirely safe from climate impacts. Jesse Keenan, a Tulane University professor, stated, “There’s no such thing as a climate haven,” underscoring the difficulty of escaping climate change impacts.
Helene is now considered a major highlight of how people will migrate as they relocate around the country. Keenan said that many cities are places of consideration as either safe or undesirable places to move to as new places to live. People are putting more consideration in where they want to relocate their families.
Hurricane Helene barreled into the southeast, devastating communities with a storm surge and severe flooding. Because of climate change, the storms that would come once a century, could come every 5 or 6 years in the future. Communities are counting on us to fight climate change. pic.twitter.com/5utt2sPHMJ
— NRDC 🌎🏡 (@NRDC) September 27, 2024
Extreme Rainfall and Infrastructure Challenges
Hurricane Helene’s destructive power, particularly in terms of rainfall, has been significant. Asheville alone faced catastrophic flooding. Over 15 inches as the Helene piled its force upon the community.
“We’ve had these shocking amounts of rain,” says Bill Hunt, a professor at NC State University. “It’s hard to imagine where you’re safe.”
Infrastructure upgrades are necessary to handle the increased hurricane intensity and rainfall. Projections by NOAA aim to update rainfall records by 2026-2027 to reflect these changes. Such updates are essential for better-prepared communities and more resilient infrastructure to withstand future storm impacts.
The unimaginable destruction that Hurricane Helene wrought in Appalachia is just a taste of what the future holds as a result of climate change. If you want to help with hurricane relief, this article lists some places you can donate: https://t.co/WBG6bjO8wT
— Senator Liz Krueger (@LizKrueger) October 1, 2024
Historic Flooding Signals the Need for Preparedness
Hurricane Helene has been termed a “multi-state event” by FEMA. The severity of the flooding across North Carolina and other states signifies a historical level of destruction, with emergency declarations enabling aid and recovery efforts. Deanne Criswell, FEMA administrator, emphasized the complexity of the recovery, highlighting that “This is going to be a really complicated recovery in each of the five states.” The storm’s strength reiterates the importance of contemporary climate considerations.
Many Democrats feel that the speed in which Helene came through and dropped considerable rain further confirms the connection with climate change. However, there are those that call it simply weather patterns that fluctuate. What is clear that there is still a disconnect in people’s understanding of climate variables and weather as a whole
“This is going to be a really complicated recovery in each of the five states,” said FEMA’s Deanne Criswell.
What makes it more complicated is the shortfall FEMA has declared they are experiencing.
DHS Secretary Majorkas has requested extra funds to be made available. Their shortfall could be problematic as the hurricane season continues.
