NEW YORK — An atmospheric river is slamming the West Coast, bringing intense rain, winds and snow that could make for treacherous conditions.
Atmospheric rivers are like"rivers in the sky," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The long, narrow regions in the atmosphere carry large amounts of water vapor over the Pacific Ocean, which is released as rain in lower elevations or snow in higher elevations when they make landfall. The events are"tied closely to both water supply and flood risks," NOAA said.
"As a deep layer of moisture streams onshore it will help spread a few inches of rainfall/feet of snowfall at elevation possible along the coastal areas and south into central California throughearly Wednesday morning," the National Weather Service said."The pattern will present the possibility for widely scattered instances of flash flooding are possible at lower elevations, particularly in burn scars.
There have already been several reports from law enforcement and the public of roadway flooding Tuesday in Seattle and in several California cities, including Salinas, Clayton and Gonzales, with vehicles reported to have been getting stuck.The system has brought strong winds as it moved ashore this week. Heavenly Ski Summit in California, south of Lake Tahoe, recorded a 111-mph wind gust overnight.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How an atmospheric river is impacting the West CoastAn atmospheric river is slamming the West Coast, bringing intense rain, winds and snow that could make for treacherous conditions.
Read more »
From coast to coast: The best regional fast-food chains to tryHere are 20 fast-food chains that are available only in certain states, making them must-tries for those traveling around the United States.
Read more »
Best travel options to vacation on Florida’s west coast after Hurricane IanSouthwest Florida’s famed vacation spots — Naples, Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island Sound — have long been escapes from Florida’s more bustling east coast.
Read more »
Can West Coast waves help power state energy grids?Wave energy could take its place alongside solar and wind in helping to decarbonize the power grid. A key test is coming soon.
Read more »