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A recent World Weather Attribution study reveals that a four-day historic storm in the central Mississippi Valley, causing at least 15 deaths and billions of dollars in damage, was made significantly more likely and intense by climate change. The study found human-caused climate change increased rainfall intensity by 9% and its likelihood by 40%. Warm Gulf of Mexico waters, exacerbated by climate change, fueled the storm. While the National Weather Service's early warnings saved lives, the study highlights the agency's understaffing due to budget cuts, jeopardizing future disaster response. Future such events are projected to become more frequent and intense if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.