Almost 1 million Californians without power amid second atmospheric river impact in a week

Almost 1 million Californians without power amid second atmospheric river impact in a week

California is grappling with the effects of a second atmospheric river in just one week, as heavy rainfall and high-elevation snow continue to pummel the state on March 14, 2023. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of a high risk for excessive rainfall today, with the storm expected to persist into Wednesday, further exacerbating the potential for widespread flooding.

Another atmospheric river set to move across California, bringing heavy rain and snow

Another atmospheric river set to move across California, bringing heavy rain and snow

Just three days after a powerful atmospheric river (AR) event brought heavy rain to parts of California, leaving at least 2 people dead and nearly 10 000 under evacuation orders, another AR will reach the region late Monday, March 13, 2023, bringing more risk of flash flooding and heavy mountain snow through Wednesday.

Dangerous excessive rainfall event underway across much of Central California, widespread severe flooding expected

Dangerous excessive rainfall event underway across much of Central California, widespread severe flooding expected

A dangerous excessive rainfall event, brought by a powerful atmospheric river, is underway across much of Central California today. Areal rainfall totals of 100 – 230 mm (4 – 9 inches) through today, atop areas with saturated soil and deep snowpack are expected to cause widespread and severe flooding impacts, particularly in the High Risk area.

Atmospheric river to bring heavy precipitation, potential flooding to California

Atmospheric river to bring heavy precipitation, potential flooding to California

A new atmospheric river (AR) event is forecast to impact California on Thursday, March 9, 2023, bringing with it considerable rainfall through Saturday, March 11. Forecast models are predicting that the incoming AR will reach AR4 (on a scale of 1 – 5) ranking in the Bay Area, with an 80% chance of being at least an AR3. A second AR landfall is possible early next week.

Rare atmospheric rivers form at opposite sides of Australia

Rare atmospheric rivers form at opposite sides of Australia

A rare weather phenomenon occurred over Australia this week as almost identical atmospheric rivers formed at the opposite sides of the continent. The weather phenomenon is caused by a stream of moisture that moves in from the tropics, bringing very heavy rain….

Record-breaking rain hits California, worst yet to come

Record-breaking rain hits California, worst yet to come

A powerful Pacific storm dropped record-breaking rain on parts of California on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. This was a direct hit by an atmospheric river system and forecasters warn the heaviest rain is expected on Thursday, urging residents to stay vigilant….

Study estimates global reach of atmospheric rivers

Study estimates global reach of atmospheric rivers

A recent study by NASA and several partners has estimated, for the first time, the global impact of atmospheric rivers on floods and droughts, as well as the number of people affected by these atmospheric phenomena. Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow,…

Floods, major debris flows as heavy rain hits Southern California

Floods, major debris flows as heavy rain hits Southern California

The second of three big storms hit Southern California on Friday, January 20, 2017, flooding roads and causing major debris flows. The rain was falling at a rate of more than 25.4 mm (1 inch) per hour. The third storm is expected on Sunday and Monday. The Sherpa…