Federal climate forecasts could help prepare for extreme rain. But it's years away

Roads and infrastructure are increasing being overwhelmed by heavier rainfall, like the California Central Valley town of Planada in January. Most states still aren't designing water systems for heavier storms. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Heavy storms have flooded roads and intersections across California over the last few weeks. The water often isn't coming from overflowing rivers. Instead, rainfall is simply overwhelming the infrastructure that's designed to keep people safe from flooding.

A new federal law could ensure that the country's roads and infrastructure are better able to withstand increasingly destructive storms.