• Strong atmospheric river drops record rainfall in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.

    A powerful atmospheric river has brought record-breaking rainfall to Washington and Oregon, causing widespread flooding and two fatalities as of December 5. The National Weather Service forecasts the storms to continue until December 7. Notable impacts include record river levels, such as the Stillaguamish River reaching a historic 6.50 m (21.34 feet), and extensive property damage across both states.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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,…