Atmospheric River likely to impact the West with heavy precipitation, high winds, and possible flooding between January 30 and February 7, according to the National Weather Service.
January 30 to February 7 a high risk (greater than 60% chance) of hazardous, heavy precipitation is forecast across California, Arizona and western New Mexico. Higher elevation should expect heavy snow.
What is a Atmospheric River?
Atmospheric rivers are long and narrow “rivers in the sky” that transport large amounts of water vapor from the tropics to other regions of Earth. Their extension can go from 400 to 600 kilometers in width, and they can carry as much water on average, in the form of steam, as 25 Mississippi Rivers.
When an atmospheric river reaches land, especially in mountainous terrain, or interacts with a storm system, it releases much of its vapor as rain or snow. This can result in extreme rain or snowfall, leading to flooding and other deadly weather disasters.
“Atmospheric rivers are a key feature in the global water cycle and are closely tied to both water supply and flood risks — particularly in the western United States,” according to NOAA.
This post will edited as more information becomes available.
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