NPR

More Rain, More Development Spell Disaster For Some U.S. Cities

Climate change is increasing the frequency of rainstorms in many parts of the U.S., and those storms bring more rain. Many communities don't have the drainage systems needed to handle all the water.
A road that washed out in Ellicott City, Md., during the second catastrophic flash flood to hit the city in two years.

There's more rain falling on some parts of the U.S. than there used to be, and many towns just aren't ready for the flooding that follows.

Ellicott City, Md., is one such community. Nestled in a valley west of Baltimore, the town was founded in 1772, and some Revolutionary War-era buildings still house businesses along the narrow main street in historic downtown. It also sits at the confluence of three streams.

That downtown was largely destroyed by a flash

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