On 14th July 2022, defying all expectations, a cascade of thunderstorms oppressed New Hampshire and brought down a torrential rainfall that triggered instant floods over large parts of the state. DR-4771 was a disaster, as the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has done the categorization, caused the serious destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and many people need to recover. This paper explores the wide variety of backgrounds of this violent incident, addressing the causes, the monstrous devastations that resulted, the preparation steps, and the valuable lessons in overcoming such struggles.
July 2022 New Hampshire severe storms result from the powerful combination of multiple types of atmospheric instabilities that occurred earlier in the week(FEMA, 2022). Based on the National Weather Service, a delicate boundary of a new frontal and situational high air moisture with unstable air mass moved slowly. Thus, it ensured the development of an overall thunderstorm. Adding to the problem, the storms became more and more powerful, increasing the total amount of rain that fell in several hours to over 15 centimeters in some areas. This fraught precipitation gave the coping mechanisms of drainage systems a hard time. It made rivers and water channels fill up rapidly, leading to widespread flash flooding throughout the region.
The attributes that contributed to this occasion can be elucidated through the concepts of atmospheric science that this course teaches. Thunderstorms require three key ingredients: Moisture, instability, and the number one mechanism that raises these air parcels above. This case involved a stalled cold front moving slowly toward the west, carrying enough lift and providing moist air with warm and unstable conditions (FEMA, 2022). During this developing storm, successively increased precipitation due to the topographic effects of New Hampshire’s mountainous landscapes may have contributed to the enhancement of downpours and runoff.
The effect of the extensive storms and the flooding remained committing, and beyond the newscast, it impacted numerous communities in the New Hampshire area. Numerous housing and businesses had been flooded. Most were wounded, while many units were labeled Uninhabitable due to intending water. Those working on emergency calls were flooded with calls for help as people could not get out of their homes, especially in the flood region on the roads(Dwyre, 2021). The financial strain was heavy, devastating approximately $10 million to the public roads, bridges, and culverts. Beyond the physical element of the destruction, communities that suffered the destruction cannot neglect the emotional and psychological factors. The residents were obliged to leave their homes and seek out temporary accommodation but would certainly encounter the difficult challenges of rebuilding their lives and recovering from the catastrophe. The mental toll of a life-threatening storm can have wide consequences even years later, which calls for a more comprehensive approach to mental health services and mental well-being among affected individuals.
In Reflection on the harmful effects of extreme weather events that are constantly growing due to climate change, the communities must take their preparedness and resilience measures to the next level. Ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades should be made, including the construction of solid drainage systems and fencing of flood-prone places, as well as the creation of systems to manage stormwater (FEMA, 2022). It is also required that signs of oncoming disasters are put in place and public education is widely advertised to enhance preparedness measures and lessen the adverse consequences of existing and future disasters.
Last year’s devastating storms and floods, which occurred in 2022, were a heart-rendering paradigm of nature’s power, and having a disaster preparatory plan was crucial. Among the lessons learned is that emergency planning is more successful if it considers interminable coordination between agencies and organizations. At the time of this event, local, state, and federal officials, as well as not-for-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross, have made a tremendous contribution to the progressive resolutions of various problems that people in the affected areas face, notably by their timely assistance and support (FEMA, 2022), apart from that the disaster emphasized the importance of having each ready for a disaster. Many of the people were not forewarned of the dangers of the swift onslaught and serious flooding; it is evident that emergency supplies, evacuation plans, and insurance against flood are needed. Many natural disasters pose sudden and unexpected threats, but through proactive planning, individuals and their families can better safeguard their properties and themselves during these incidents. The recovery after the disaster is another crucial learning point that should not be taken for granted. During the cleaning-up process of the flooding, volunteers and aid organizations [such as] clean-up helpers, temporary accommodation, and emotional support were provided by members of communities and organizations that supported the affected people. Having this community distress support restored the physical structure and developed the community’s resilience and solidarity.
Although the terrible storms and the floods did not directly affect me and my family, watching the media reports and the stories from the individuals who suffered the consequences led to realizing “how vulnerable we are and to what?”(Lippmann et al., 2021). It was a constant reminder that nobody is on the same plane as the natural power and that awareness and readiness are needed. The importance of communities’ resilience was highlighted, and the essential function of agencies like FEMA in bringing together teams to deliver resources and set up support in the affected areas was showcased. This demonstration also emphasized the holistic point of view of our environment and the possibility of catastrophic effects that follow from concurrent extreme weather conditions. In addition to affecting the houses and public infrastructure, the FDI disrupted the local economies, transport networks, and natural systems. This statement underlines that more than just focusing on the response, preparedness, and mitigation efforts should be seen as a holistic activity, taking into account the impact and interdependency of the entire community.
Due to the earthquake-like damage inflicted by the NH Severe Storms and Flooding of 2022, citizens of the state will never forget this natural catastrophe, which further illustrates the terrifying capacity of elemental forces. Despite the difficulties, we have witnessed the tenacity and team spirit of affected communities, emergency responders, and aid organizations. This is plain proof of the excellent attributes of human beings and the need for collective action. Looking towards the future, one needs only learn from this adventure, reinforce the means of prevention, and finally work for sustainable practices that can help reduce the consequences of extreme weather events. By incorporating these principles and fostering a culture of resiliency, we can provide communities with safety and a secure future and sustain it in the world of climate change.
Dwyre, L. (2021). Climate Change Resiliency in Coastal New Hampshire Roads with the Application of Natural and Nature-Based Features – ProQuest. Www.proquest.com. https://www.proquest.com/openview/15e64feb3cb15721775d5ed3ffdd6c63/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Lippmann, T. C., Simpson, A. E., Cook, S. E., & Kirshen, P. (2021). Effects of Sea Level Rise on Storm Surge Flooding and Current Speeds in New Hampshire Estuaries. Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 147(2), 04020054. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ww.1943-5460.0000613
FEMA. (2022). New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-4771-NH). https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4771