Risk of catastrophic megafloods has doubled in California, study finds

Scientists concluded that a series of storms could dump enough rainfall to displace millions, causing over $1tn in losses

Driven by the climate crisis, exceedingly rare megafloods will become more common - and more catastrophic - according to a new study that found their likelihood has already doubled in California.

The unexpected threat lingers even as browning hillsides, fallowed fields and bathtub ring-laden reservoirs serve as a constant reminder of the drought disaster in the state, which may be woefully unprepared when the coin inevitably flips.