6 chapters across the catalog
The Guadalupe River region, known as Flash Flood Alley, has a documented history of devastating floods dating back to 1838. Historical data highlights major events in 1932, 1978, and 1987, the latter of which killed ten teenagers from a Baptist church camp. Despite modern access to real-time weather data and historical precedents, public awareness of flood plain risks remains low, leading to preventable tragedies during heavy rain events.
An NPR news report by Sergio Martinez Beltran details the aftermath of the Friday flash floods in Kerrville, Texas. The report confirms a rising death toll and the destruction of Camp Mystic, where search and rescue efforts continued for missing children. The segment notes the community's resilience and the tendency for Americans to organize local aid independently of government intervention.
Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency in New York City following historic rainfall that caused widespread flash flooding and subway disruptions. While officials and scientists attribute the intensity of the storm to the climate crisis, residents point to failing drainage systems and neglected infrastructure. Governor Kathy Hochul also issued emergency declarations for Long Island and the Hudson Valley.
Producer Brad Rider created an IFTTT (If This Then That) recipe that allows listeners to receive text messages whenever the "Bat Signal" is fired. This leads to a discussion about the "Giant Voice" government alert system on iPhones, which recently triggered flash flood warnings in Austin. Adam Curry criticizes the alerts as part of the "dumbing down" of a populace that should be able to see rain for themselves.
Following violent anti-austerity protests in Madrid, southern Spain is hit by "freak" flash floods that killed several people and washed away infrastructure. The hosts question the timing of the weather event relative to the civil unrest.
A new film titled "Virus X" is being released directly to DVD, marketed via a website referencing the H1N1 virus. The hosts also note a recent episode of the "Hawaii Five-O" reboot that featured a flash flood or tsunami storyline, which they view as a recurring media theme.
