Life in a Wetter, Warmer Cincinnati Region

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Living in our region comes with its fair share of weather extremes, from torrential rains to tornados to the infamous polar vortex closing out otherwise mild winters, the shifting climate is making unpredictable weather even more volatile.

By Nobi Kennedy,

Published July 22, 2024

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Contributors: Nobi Kennedy, Kelly Morton, Bamidele Osamika, Leah Ross, Mitch Singstock, Savannah Sullivan, and Viviana Saldarriaga
This piece is part of Green Umbrella’s 2024 PSA Campaign on climate health impacts, highlighting a recent report done with Scioto Analysis which was supported in part by a bi3, HealthPath, and Interact for Health Data for Equity Grant.

When storms start brewing and the skies darken over Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, you know it’s time to hunker down. Living in our region comes with its fair share of weather extremes, from torrential rains to tornados to the infamous polar vortex closing out otherwise mild winters, the shifting climate is making unpredictable weather even more volatile. Although our region is seen as a resource-rich climate haven, its history with extreme weather is as deep as the Ohio River. 

What Is Extreme Weather?

Extreme weather refers to unexpected, unusual, severe, or unseasonal weather conditions. These phenomena are not just inconvenient; they can have profound impacts on our livelihoods and health. The number of extreme weather events in Ohio has increased over the past years and is expected to increase further due to shifting climate. In the Greater Cincinnati region, our most formidable threats are increased tornados, floods, heat waves, and freezing temperatures. 

According to the Ohio Environmental Council climate change-related events could cost Ohio municipalities up to $6 billion by 2050. According to NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, from 1980-89, there were 33l significant weather events for the decade, averaging 3 events per year for about $21.8B in damages per year. Between 2021-2023, we experienced 66 events total or 22 events yearly, totaling damages of around 147.8B per year. 

Tornado Alley:

The state of Ohio was the tornado leader for 2024 through April, outpacing typical locations in the South. According to the National Weather Service. 35 tornadoes touched down in Ohio in 2024 as of spring, a dozen more than our state’s year average of 23. Since then, Ohio has moved to 5th place with 49 total record twisters according to the Cincinnati EnquirerTwo things fuel severe tornadoes: Heat and moisture. Severe storms activated by warm weather and record rainfall were pushed into the Ohio Valley by this year’s storm track spanning the Southern Rockies to the Great Lakes, which also had unusually warm Great Lakes water temperatures this year.

Rising Water:

Changing climate is increasing the frequency of floods in Ohio. According to the Ohio EPA, over the last half-century, average annual precipitation in most of the Midwest has increased by 5 to 10 percent. But rainfall during the four wettest days of the year has increased about 35 percent, and the amount of water flowing in most streams during the worst flood of the year has increased by more than 20 percent. For more information on flooding in our region and how to protect yourself, check out Green Umbrella’s blog on Flooding and Health Impacts.

Sweltering Heat and Deep Freeze: 

As climate change progresses and intensifies, swings in weather and extreme temperatures will become more common in Greater Cincinnati. Regarding heat, Cincinnati is expected to experience at least 7 days of “feels like” temperatures of 106 degrees. For more information on Heat in our region, check out Green Umbrella’s website for the blog entitled “Bringing the Heat: How Rising Temperatures Affect Our Health.” 

Cold fronts are not uncommon in our region but freezes out of season wreak havoc on our natural environment and food production. Our communities are dependent on the integrity of our food distribution systems. An extreme weather event can spell disaster for crops, the agriculture industry, supply chains, and the community, particularly those who live in rural areas. Communities can become more resilient by investing in climate-smart agricultural practices, drawing from the wisdom of indigenous communities. By planting more varied and weather-resistant crops, we can continue to thrive in a warmer, wet climate.

Health Effects of Extreme Weather:

When we talk about extreme weather, we’re not just discussing power outages and property damage. These events have dire health consequences. 

Floods can lead to waterborne diseases, heatwaves can cause heatstroke and exacerbate chronic illnesses, the trauma from surviving a natural disaster can lead to mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They disrupt the physical and social infrastructure people and communities that depend on these services. Physical safety during floods, tornadoes, and other extreme events is imperative as these events can often cause severe injuries or death. Drownings during floods and injuries from flying debris during tornadoes are common. Our understanding of the impacts of climate disasters on mental health is growing as psychologists find connections between our climate and our minds and feelings. The American Public Health Association notes that up to 54% of adults and 45% of children experience depression post-disaster. Anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts also spike following severe weather events. Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease may find their symptoms worsening during extreme weather, making management more challenging.

Equity and Health Effects

Not all communities are affected equally by extreme weather. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, low-income families, and those with disabilities, often bear the brunt of these impacts. Access to post-disaster, life-saving resources in low-income and marginalized communities can be incredibly challenging, prolonging the recovery process and exacerbating disparities. Vulnerable groups often have higher rates of pre-existing health conditions, making them more susceptible to the adverse health effects of extreme weather.

How To Protect Yourself

There is little individuals can do to stop a natural disaster. However, we can minimize the harm caused by being prepared. 

  • Build an Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and first aid supplies. 
  • Develop a Plan: Create an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and designated meeting points. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of weather updates and warnings through reliable sources. Sign up for local alerts and have a battery-powered radio handy in case of power outages.

During a Flood:

  • Move to higher ground if you’re in a flood-prone area.
  • Follow evacuation orders and heed warning signs.
  • Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters as they are hazardous. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
  • Seek higher ground and disconnect utilities.

During a Tornado:

  • Seek shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.
  • Protect yourself with sturdy furniture and cover your body with a blanket or mattress.
  • Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in a car; instead, find the nearest sturdy building for 
  • shelter.

During Cold Weather: 

  • Check the Forecast
  • Adjust your Schedule
  • Protect pets, livestock and property
  • Fill your tank and update winter car survival kit 
  • Dress appropriately for cold weather

Visit ready.gov to develop a plan and resilience tool kit for extreme weather conditions. 

Role of Institutions and Governments

Institutions play a crucial role in mitigating the damage caused by extreme weather and how quickly communities can recover. 

  • Improving Building Codes: Stronger building materials and improved codes can minimize extreme weather damage. 
  • Investing in City Infrastructure: Allocating funds for climate resilience can strengthen critical infrastructure like housing and healthcare, ensuring these resources are available post-disaster.
  • Providing Trauma-Informed Care: Providing trauma-informed care to disaster survivors can address the mental health impacts of extreme weather.
  • Inclusive Planning: Ensuring resources are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities or special needs, helps create a more resilient community.
  • Green Infrastructure: Developing green spaces, and flood-absorbing and reinforced infrastructure can reduce the risk of disaster and improve overall resilience.

The federal government has designated billions of dollars for climate resilience through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act which can be accessed by local governments. Visit FEMA Risk Management for more information.

Community Resilience

Building a resilient community involves collective efforts and strong community engagement. Some ways in which a community can prepare for extreme weather events: 

  • Sponge Cities: Incorporating green spaces and absorbent materials into urban planning helps manage extreme weather impacts.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adopting sustainable agricultural practices, including crop diversification, can enhance food security and resilience.
  • Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of preparedness and resilience can foster a culture of readiness.

Extreme weather is a growing concern for Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky, with significant health impacts. By understanding these risks and taking proactive measures, we can protect ourselves and build a more resilient community. For more information on preparing for extreme weather, visit Ready.gov and check out local resources. 

Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to weather the storm.

Learn More

Webinar: Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati

Watch the recording of the sixth installment of the Climate Health Public Service Announcement Webinar Series, Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events and Health Outcomes in Greater Cincinnati, on YouTube. Our guest speakers are Jim Noel, Service Coordination Hydrologist at NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center and Katie Jo Berkshire, Kirkpatrick Strategic Initiatives Manager at Northern Kentucky Area Development District.


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