Powerful Atmospheric Rivers Cause Weather Advisories and Threaten Flooding on West Coast
Atmospheric rivers have been wreaking havoc on the West Coast this week, causing weather advisories and posing a serious threat of flooding. These massive storms, captured on satellite images by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have been barreling in from the Pacific Ocean and are capable of causing significant damage.
So, what exactly are atmospheric rivers? They are long regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapor. In fact, the amount of water vapor they carry is roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River, according to NOAA. When these atmospheric rivers make landfall, they release all that water, resulting in extreme flooding.
The West Coast is no stranger to atmospheric rivers. According to The Weather Channel, there are typically three to seven of these phenomena present in the world at any given time. While they can occur in various parts of the world, one well-known atmospheric river, known as the “Pineapple Express,” frequently affects the West Coast of the United States.
The Pineapple Express is a force to be reckoned with, delivering heavy rainfall and snow to the U.S. and Canada’s West Coasts after building up in the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii. When this atmospheric river hits California, it can bring up to five inches of rain in a single day. The recent back-to-back storms that battered the West Coast were fueled by the Pineapple Express.
Northern California, as well as parts of the central and southern regions of the state, were expected to receive three to five inches of rain, with some areas potentially experiencing over six inches of rainfall. The Sierra Nevada mountain range was also forecasted to receive two feet of snow, with higher elevations potentially getting more than three feet.
The impact of these storms was already evident on Thursday morning when strong winds, rain, and snow hit parts of Northern California, including Sacramento. Dangerous travel conditions led to road restrictions in the area, and even a tree was downed by the heavy winds in the state’s capital. Flood advisories were also issued for Sonoma and Marin counties in the Bay Area, with parts of highways in Santa Clara and Sonoma counties being closed due to mudslides caused by the storm.
While atmospheric rivers can bring devastation and damage, they also play a crucial role in the water supply. The rain and snow they bring can help fill reservoirs, which is particularly important in drought-prone areas like California. In fact, NOAA noted that snow was expected in the mountains during this week’s storms, and when the snowpack melts, it can contribute to reservoir levels and provide relief from drought conditions.
Last winter, California experienced the impact of back-to-back atmospheric rivers, resulting in a staggering $4.6 billion in damages. In an effort to improve forecast accuracy, CBS News recently joined a group of hurricane hunters from NOAA as they dropped instruments to measure various weather parameters. Collecting data points from these instruments will aid scientists in better understanding the behavior of these powerful storms, which are projected to become even stronger as the planet continues to warm.
In conclusion, the West Coast has been on high alert this week due to the onslaught of powerful atmospheric rivers. These long regions in the atmosphere have the potential to cause significant flooding and damage when they make landfall. However, they also serve as an essential source of water for reservoirs in drought-prone areas. As climate change progresses, it is crucial to monitor and understand these atmospheric rivers to better prepare for their impact and protect vulnerable communities.