We've lived in South Bend for a little less than 1 1/2 years. Before that, we lived about the same amount of time just north of here in Aberdeen. During our relatively brief time on the southwest Washington coast, we've encounter 4 -- count 'em 4 -- historic weather events! For all those who think global warming is nothing more than liberal claptrap, I suggest you move to my region. After living here a year or two, I'm confident you'll sing a far different tune.
During our first year in Aberdeen (Spring 2006), we had street flooding that locals told me was far greater than anyone could ever remember. Franklin Park -- just down the street from our rented house -- is a sunken park used for rain catchment in the rainy season, October - March. While there had been several occasions in which the park almost filled up completely, no one could remember a time when it had overflowed into the surrounding neighborhood. And that's what it did!
Since moving to South Bend in August 2007, we've experienced the greatest wind storm on record (December 2007 -- gusts to 150 mph), the greatest snowfall on record (December 2008 -- nearly 18" over several days) and the greatest one day rainfall record (today -- currently at 10.13" and still climbing).
If these various weather events occurred over a 10 or 20 year period, then I might agree that each represents the typical ebb and flow of climatic patterns in this region. But they have each happened within less than 2 years. What are the odds of that?
Me thinks the odds are infinitesimally small, if not for GLOBAL WARMING. Unfortunately, it's beginning to look like these sorts of weather events are becoming the norm, not the exception.
Who knows? The way things are going the next weather event on our calendar may be a major tornado (we almost NEVER have tornadoes here) or a tsunami!!!
During our first year in Aberdeen (Spring 2006), we had street flooding that locals told me was far greater than anyone could ever remember. Franklin Park -- just down the street from our rented house -- is a sunken park used for rain catchment in the rainy season, October - March. While there had been several occasions in which the park almost filled up completely, no one could remember a time when it had overflowed into the surrounding neighborhood. And that's what it did!
Since moving to South Bend in August 2007, we've experienced the greatest wind storm on record (December 2007 -- gusts to 150 mph), the greatest snowfall on record (December 2008 -- nearly 18" over several days) and the greatest one day rainfall record (today -- currently at 10.13" and still climbing).
If these various weather events occurred over a 10 or 20 year period, then I might agree that each represents the typical ebb and flow of climatic patterns in this region. But they have each happened within less than 2 years. What are the odds of that?
Me thinks the odds are infinitesimally small, if not for GLOBAL WARMING. Unfortunately, it's beginning to look like these sorts of weather events are becoming the norm, not the exception.
Who knows? The way things are going the next weather event on our calendar may be a major tornado (we almost NEVER have tornadoes here) or a tsunami!!!
You obviously haven't read State of Fear, by Michael Crichton.
ReplyDeleteRight Taoist, a tsunami caused by global warming. I rest my case.
ReplyDelete