Debunking Claims: Cloud Seeding Did Not Cause the Central Texas Floods
Despite widespread online speculation, the devastating flash floods that recently impacted Central Texas were not caused by cloud seeding, according to meteorologists and experts. False claims linking the disaster to a weather modification technique have circulated rapidly on social media, fueled by misinformation and, in some cases, amplified by prominent political figures.
The catastrophic flooding, which struck in early July, resulted from a convergence of severe weather events, including heavy rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. A California-based company, Rainmaker Technology, confirmed it conducted a cloud seeding operation in the region on July 2, but experts assert this operation played no role in the subsequent deluge.
What is Cloud Seeding?
Developed in the 1940s, cloud seeding is a process designed to enhance precipitation. Dozens of countries utilize the technique, dispersing substances like silver iodide into clouds to encourage rainfall, and it’s even been employed by some ski resorts to increase snowfall, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.
However, meteorologists are emphatic that cloud seeding is not a powerful enough force to create or significantly contribute to extreme weather events like the recent Texas floods. “Cloud seeding cannot create a storm of this magnitude or size. In fact, cloud seeding cannot even create a single cloud,” stated a Houston-based meteorologist.
Another meteorologist, Matthew Cappucci, succinctly dismissed the claims on X, stating: “Cloud seeding played ZERO role in deadly Texas floods. Rudimentary, basic physics explains that.” CBS News meteorologist Scott Padgett further explained that the impacted area, known as “Flash Flood Alley,” is already highly susceptible to flooding due to its steep terrain and poor soil absorption. “The combination of the steep terrain and the poor absorbing soil coupled with downbursts of heavy rain led to a textbook case for flash flooding,” Padgett said.
Rainmaker Technology’s Operations
Rainmaker CEO Augustus Doricko released flight logs detailing the company’s limited operation, which took place on July 2 approximately 150 miles south of Kerr County, where the worst flooding occurred. The company seeded two small clouds in Runge, Texas, and those clouds dissipated within hours. Doricko emphasized that Rainmaker had been contracted to boost water supply in reservoirs and aquifers but suspended operations after detecting an influx of moisture from the Gulf.
“The natural disaster in the Texan Hill Country is a tragedy. My prayers are with Texas. Rainmaker did not operate in the affected area on the 3rd or 4th or contribute to the floods that occurred over the region,” Doricko stated. The company has also reported receiving threats on its website and on X since the flooding event.
Political Rhetoric and Misinformation
The spread of misinformation surrounding the floods was further complicated by political involvement. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories linking weather modification to natural disasters. This week, she promoted legislation that would criminalize weather modification and shared a photo of Rainmaker’s CEO in a social media post criticizing cloud seeding. Her office has not responded to requests for comment.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz also publicly refuted the claims, stating, “To the best of my knowledge, there is zero evidence of anything related to weather modification.” He acknowledged the prevalence of “crazy theories” online.
Misinformation researcher Abbie Richards noted that such conspiracy theories often surge after major weather events, serving as a coping mechanism for those overwhelmed by tragedy. “I think that the more emotionally overwhelming it is, the more likely we are to just see high volumes of conspiracy theories to cope and make people feel like they have control,” Richards explained.
Similar claims have circulated following past disasters, including flooding in Dubai, the California wildfires, and hurricanes Helene and Milton. The persistence of these theories underscores the need for critical thinking and reliance on credible sources of information in the wake of devastating events.
