The following post is part of a new series with a regional focus on our local communities about the risk of future weather and climate extremes due to climate change…
Like many areas across the US and worldwide, Jackson County, North Carolina, faces increasing flooding risks due to climate change. As one of many census-designated places (CDP) in Jackson County, North Carolina, Cullowhee is located on the Tuckasegee River with a permanent population of 7,682 as of the 2020 census. Further, the Cullowhee community is the home of Western Carolina University, part of the University of North Carolina System. Eight key factors contributing to flooding risks due to climate change:
- Increased Rainfall Intensity: Climate change leads to more intense and frequent rainfall events. This can overwhelm local drainage systems and rivers, resulting in flash floods.
- Extreme Weather Events: The frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms, are expected to rise, leading to significant rainfall in short periods and exacerbating flood risks.
- River Flooding: Jackson County is home to the Tuckasegee River and several other tributaries. Increased precipitation can cause these rivers to overflow, causing riverine flooding.
- Topography and Landscape: The mountainous terrain of Jackson County, North Carolina, can cause water to flow quickly downhill, increasing the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas.
- Land Use Changes: Urbanization and changes in land use can reduce the ground’s natural absorption of rainwater. Concrete and asphalt surfaces lead to quicker runoff into rivers and streams.
- Soil Saturation Levels: With more frequent storms, the ground can remain saturated for extended periods, reducing its capacity to absorb additional rain and increasing surface runoff.
- Temperature Changes: Warmer temperatures due to climate change can affect snowmelt patterns in the region, further contributing to flooding during certain times of the year.
- Infrastructure Vulnerability: Some existing drainage and infrastructure systems may not be adequate to handle the increased water flow from severe storms and prolonged rainfall periods.
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