July 2024 – Your Members-Only Newsletter
By Kelly Morton
Published August 19, 2024
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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.
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.
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.
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 Enquirer. Two 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There is little individuals can do to stop a natural disaster. However, we can minimize the harm caused by being prepared.
Visit ready.gov to develop a plan and resilience tool kit for extreme weather conditions.
Institutions play a crucial role in mitigating the damage caused by extreme weather and how quickly communities can recover.
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.
Building a resilient community involves collective efforts and strong community engagement. Some ways in which a community can prepare for extreme weather events:
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.
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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By Kelly Morton
Published March 8, 2024