California Bracing for Extreme Rainfall: Here's Why This Atmospheric River Will Be Different
What is an atmospheric river?
An atmospheric river is a narrow corridor or filament of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that transports water vapor from the tropics to the mid-latitudes.
They are essentially rivers of water vapor in the sky that can cause heavy rain, snow, and flooding.
Why is this atmospheric river different?
This atmospheric river is expected to be different from others because it is expected to be unusually strong and slow-moving.
This means that it will likely dump a large amount of rain over a relatively short period of time.
What are the impacts of this atmospheric river?
The heavy rain from this atmospheric river could cause flooding, mudslides, and other hazards.
It could also lead to power outages and disruptions to transportation.
What should people do to prepare?
People in the path of this atmospheric river should take steps to prepare for flooding and other hazards.
This includes clearing out storm drains, securing loose objects, and having an emergency plan in place.
Additional information
For more information on this atmospheric river, please visit the National Weather Service website.