Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 5 hrs ago
Heavy Rain Hits the US as Strong El Niño Raises Winter Flood Risks
Heavy rain and flooding have hit several parts of the US, from Florida and the Southwest to the central states.
In Florida, up to 2 feet of rain fell in parts of the state over three days, and two people died in Palm Bay.
In Arizona, flooding led to evacuations and one confirmed death in Flagstaff, while officials are investigating another death; repairs could take weeks.
A strong El Niño is helping shift weather patterns toward wetter conditions across the southern US, while human-driven warming is making the atmosphere wetter.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects wetter-than-average conditions across the South and East from December through February.
Forecasters expect another burst of heavy rain on the West Coast from November 10 to 12, with flood risk at lower elevations; the recent storms may signal a wet winter, though El Niño’s effects vary.
Heavy rain and flash flooding have hit parts of the United States, with deaths and hundreds of water rescues reported.
Florida recorded rainfall totals of up to 2 feet over three days, and two people died in Palm Bay.
Flooding in Arizona killed one person in Flagstaff, while a second body was found and the cause of death remains undetermined.
Forecasters expect an atmospheric river to bring heavy rain to parts of the West Coast from November 10 to 12.
Experts say a strong El Niño and human-driven warming are increasing the risk of heavy rainfall this winter.
- Who
- Residents and communities in Florida, Arizona and other parts of the United States have been affected.
- What
- Heavy rain has caused flash flooding, deaths and evacuations. More heavy precipitation is forecast for parts of the West Coast.
- When
- The reported rain and flooding occurred in the days before November 3, 2026. More heavy rain is forecast for November 10 to 12.
- Where
- Florida, Arizona and other parts of the United States; the forecast atmospheric river may affect northern California and the Northwest.
- Why
- Experts say a strong El Niño is helping fuel the rain. Human-driven warming is also making the atmosphere wetter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Up to 7 inches of rain fell in parts of the Southwest.
Heavy rain battered Florida, with totals as high as 2 feet in parts of the state.
The National Weather Service said Southeast Florida could see heavy rain for at least another day.
Forecasters expect an atmospheric river to bring heavy moisture to West Coast states.
- Florida rainfall
- Up to 2 feet
- Palm Bay deaths
- Two
- Southwest rainfall
- Up to 7 inches
- Flagstaff deaths
- One confirmed weather-related death; a second body was found, with cause undetermined
- West Coast forecast
- November 10 to 12
- Expected winter outlook period
- December through February
What people are saying
Recent extreme rainfall is likely just the start of what will become a rough winter across the United States
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Here is the latest totals on the 3 Day Florida Heavy Rainfall
‼️ 1000 Year Rain Event Exceeded by almost 2X in Palm Beach Florida! For at least the 3rd time in 3 days the US has had a 1000 year rainfall event, based on our historical climate. 17 inches in 6 hours in Palm Beach Gardens. Beats the criteria of 9” by 1.8X! Staggering.
Here are some preliminary 48 hour rainfall totals through early Monday morning across the Southwest and Four Corners Region.