Climate Impact Report – 10/15

Quick Facts

Flash flooding triggered by the remnants of Tropical Rainstorm Pamela caused at least two fatalities, including a 5 year old girl, in Texas hill country.
- On Wednesday night multiple water rescues had to be conducted as highways were flooded.
- Many children were rescued from trees where they were hanging on for their lives.
The flooding in New Braunfels, Texas which toppled multiple RVs and carried 1 down the Guadalupe river, also damaged multiple items including cars and motorcycles.

Kentucky’s community flood risk is among the nation’s worst, with about 13% of all properties having greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years.
The residents of Cobb County, Georgia met to discuss the damage caused by flash flooding, which forced at least 10 metro Atlanta families out of their homes.
After the deadly February freeze that caused power outages across Texas, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has named Paul Foster as the new chairman

As of Thursday, there are currently 41 large active wildfires that have burned 2,740,761 acres across CA, CO, ID, MT, OK, OR, WA, and WY.
After the Thomas Fire and Caldor Fire destroyed their homes, a Californian family leaves for Texas.
With the accelerated climate impacts extending the fire season, the San Joaquin Valley is having particle pollution year round.
In California, 10 fires have burned 2,051,250 acres as of Thursday.
- The Alisal Fire burned 16,801 acres and was 11% contained as of Friday.
  - More than 8 million people in the Santa Barbara area are under a red flag warning until Saturday night as the Santa Ana winds and warm temperatures could spark wildfires.
- The Caldor Fire burned 221,798 acres and was 98% contained as of Thursday.
- The Dixie Fire burned 963,309 acres and was 94% contained as of Thursday.
- The KNP Complex Fire burned 87,786 acres and was 40% contained as of Thursday.
In Colorado, 1 fire has burned a total of 3,792 acres as of Thursday.
In Idaho, 12 fires have burned a total of 206,489 acres as of Thursday.
In Montana, 8 fires have burned a total of 184,606 acres as of Thursday.
In Oklahoma, 1 fire has burned a total of 148 acres as of Thursday.
In Oregon, 4 fires have burned a total of 169,578 acres as of Thursday.
In Washington, 3 fires have burned a total of 109,623 acres as of Thursday.
In Wyoming, 2 fires have burned a total of 15,268 acres as of Thursday.

The summer drought in Minnesota, which was the worst the state had seen in 10 to 30 years, may reduce the fall apple season.
La Niña threatens to worsen California drought and wildfires, and strain food supply.
The drought conditions in Oakley, Utah depleted the natural springs that supply water to the community leading the city to pause all new development.
If temperatures continue to rise, the Santa Monica pier could be covered by rising sea levels.
As the red tide returns, local businesses worry about a slowdown of customers.
The drought and rising temperatures in North Dakota has led to more midges spreading disease in deer, resulting in nearly 30,000 deer hunters refunding their licenses.

An October 2021 report found that Black, Native and Latino populations are more than 40% more likely to suffer from some climate hazards than their peers.
An October 2021 study found that illegal or unsustainable wildlife trade affects biodiversity, ecosystem services, people’s livelihood, and economies all over the world.
An October 2021 study found increased concentrations of air pollutants downwind from oil and gas wells in California are likely worsening health outcomes for nearby residents.