Cloud Seeding Operations in Texas Preceded Deadly Floods

The CEO of Rainmaker, a weather modification company, has confirmed that cloud seeding operations took place in Texas two days before the catastrophic floods that claimed over 100 lives. Augustus Doricko stated that planes released silver iodide in the atmosphere on July 2, but emphasized that the seeding did not cause the flooding.
Cloud seeding involves using chemicals like silver iodide to trigger rainfall by forming ice crystals or droplets in clouds. However, the technique’s impact on rainfall is unpredictable, ranging from 0% to 20%. Doricko noted that the two clouds seeded on July 2 dissipated within 24 hours and had no effect on the subsequent storms.
Meteorologists attribute the floods to a powerful natural weather system, with thunderstorms fueled by moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. The Guadalupe River rose nearly 26 feet in less than an hour, causing widespread destruction.
Doricko suspended all operations on July 2 due to abnormally high moisture content, stating that the seeded clouds would have dissipated hours before the floods. Experts agree that cloud seeding could not have generated the record-breaking rainfall.
The incident has sparked questions about the role of weather modification in extreme weather events, though Doricko maintains that the technique was not a factor in the disaster.

Published: 7/8/2025