Back-to-back flooding disasters in recent years — in Texas, New Mexico and Kentucky, among many others — have showed that preparing for flash flooding is a new necessity as the planet warms.

A flash flood is a rapid rise of water along a stream or in a low-lying urban area, the National Weather Service said. Flash flooding can result from slow-moving thunderstorms, from numerous thunderstorms that develop repeatedly over the same area, or from heavy rains associated with tropical cyclones.

Recent flash flooding in Texas​, New Mexico​ and North Carolina​ is highlighting the extreme danger of these natural disasters and the need to be prepared.

Scholars and designers of early warning systems say that there are still huge gaps in our ability to predict flash floods and warn those at risk.

A flash flood warning is in effect until 9 a.m. for Boston and several communities south of the city, including Brockton, Quincy, and Randolph, officials said Thursday morning. The National Weather Service also issued a flood watch that will remain in effect until 4 p.m. for Rhode Island and eastern portions of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Here's what to know about the deadly flooding, the colossal weather system that drove it and ongoing efforts to identify victims.

Lake Havasu City authorities said the fire killed clinic owner Walter Foxcroft, 43. Hyperbaric therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a high pressure chamber.

As the death toll climbs in Texas, the Trump Administration is actively undermining the nation’s ability to predict—and to deal with—climate-related disasters.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued for several cities and towns south of Boston Thursday morning as heavy rain brought traffic to a crawl and clogged streets and highways.With rain coming down so fast,