Story perspectives

Heatwave Causes Road to Buckle, Car Soars in Missouri

6/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a scorching heatwave on June 22 caused a road to buckle dramatically, sending a car soaring into the air. Local resident Albert Blackwell caught the jaw-dropping moment on video, revealing the pavement rising over 18 inches. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but officials caution that more road damage could occur as heat advisories persist.

History

Historical Context

The 1936 North American heatwave resulted in over 5,000 deaths and significant infrastructure damage, particularly in cities like Chicago, where temperatures soared above 100°F. This extreme weather event highlighted vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, which has increased the likelihood of such heatwaves by at least 150-fold. Recent incidents, like pavement buckling in Cape Girardeau, underscore the urgent need for infrastructure adaptations.

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Story summary

In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a scorching heatwave on June 22 caused a road to buckle dramatically, sending a car soaring into the air. Local resident Albert Blackwell caught the jaw-dropping moment on video, revealing the pavement rising over 18 inches. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but officials caution that more road damage could occur as heat advisories persist.

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