Why California Is Being Deluged by Atmospheric Rivers – Scientific American
California has been hit by repeated storms fueled by torrents of moisture called atmospheric rivers that will only intensify in a warming climate
California is taking a beating from what the National Weather Service has called a “seemingly never ending parade” of strong storm systems, which started late last December and are still coming. Called atmospheric rivers, they are long, narrow currents of exceptionally wet air that shoot across the ocean, capable of dumping massive volumes of rain or snow on landfall. Although these storms deliver much of the West’s precipitation, they also cause most of the region’s flooding, with associated economic damages as high as $1 billion a year…
How Much Will These Storms Help Relieve California’s Drought? – the New York Times
All the rain and snow are undoubtedly good news for California’s water supply, but they’re unlikely to end the drought altogether.
If you’re looking for a silver lining to the punishing storms sweeping California, look no further than the state’s snowpack.
As of Tuesday, California’s mountain snow held more than twice the water content that’s considered average for this time of year…
Latest atmospheric river takes aim at San Francisco Bay Area; more flooding possible: California storm updates – USA Today
While Southern California’s famous sunshine was finally making a return appearance Wednesday, the region’s counterparts to the north were not as fortunate as rain continued to pelt large swaths of water-logged terrain.
“The atmospheric river has refocused over northern and central California,” the National Weather Service said. “Heavy rain on saturated soils and gusty winds may lead to flooding and damaged or downed trees and power outages…”
Maps and charts show the awful impact of the California storms – the Washington Post
A parade of storms known as atmospheric rivers has dumped massive amounts of rain and snow on California since late December. The storms have produced deadly flooding, crippling snow, dangerous mudslides, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Atmospheric rivers funnel extreme amounts of moisture over the oceans into narrow bands of clouds. As these clouds are transported over land, they can produce many hours of intense rain and snow…
Storm-ravaged California scrambles as fresh atmospheric river rolls in – the Guardian
Newest round of storms are expected to produce torrential downpours and gale force winds along the northern coast
California is facing a new round of brutal storms that will bring torrential downpours and gale force winds in the north as the state scrambles to clean up and repair widespread damage amid a break in the weather.
The state has been ravaged by a relentless string of storms that have killed at least 17 people..