Heavy Rainfall Deluges US Pacific Northwest as Atmospheric River Brings Moisture from Across the Globe.
A powerful and potent atmospheric river has unleashed a deluge of heavy rainfall on parts of the Pacific Northwest region in the US, resulting in widespread flooding and mudslides. The extreme weather event started to take shape around December 7 and has been leaving its mark ever since, with some areas experiencing over 10 inches of rain within a 72-hour period.
The atmospheric river, which is essentially a long band of moisture-rich air that moves like a river through the atmosphere, has its roots in the tropics. In this case, however, the source of moisture was much farther away - roughly 7,000 miles (11,000 kilometers) across the Pacific from near the Philippines.
Using satellite data and models to approximate what's happening in the atmosphere, NASA's GEOS system has produced a map showing high levels of precipitable water vapor. This value represents the amount of water contained within a column of air, assuming all the water vapor condensed into liquid. The green areas on the map indicate where these high amounts of moisture reside.
The effects of this heavy rainfall have been severe, with several locations in western Washington recording daily rainfall records on December 10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport set a new record that day, receiving 1.6 inches (40 millimeters) of rain. Other areas have experienced similar levels of precipitation.
Flooding has also been a major concern, particularly for rivers like the Skagit River and Snohomish River, which saw record or near-record flood levels on December 11. The aftermath of these floods has seen numerous roadways closed due to excess water and mudslides, including the eastbound lanes of I-90 out of western Washington.
To support ongoing response efforts by the Washington State Emergency Operations Center, NASA's Disasters Response Coordination System has been activated. As new information becomes available, maps and data products will be posted on their open-access mapping portal.
Heavy rain events like this one can have significant impacts on communities and infrastructure, making it essential for residents to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities.
A powerful and potent atmospheric river has unleashed a deluge of heavy rainfall on parts of the Pacific Northwest region in the US, resulting in widespread flooding and mudslides. The extreme weather event started to take shape around December 7 and has been leaving its mark ever since, with some areas experiencing over 10 inches of rain within a 72-hour period.
The atmospheric river, which is essentially a long band of moisture-rich air that moves like a river through the atmosphere, has its roots in the tropics. In this case, however, the source of moisture was much farther away - roughly 7,000 miles (11,000 kilometers) across the Pacific from near the Philippines.
Using satellite data and models to approximate what's happening in the atmosphere, NASA's GEOS system has produced a map showing high levels of precipitable water vapor. This value represents the amount of water contained within a column of air, assuming all the water vapor condensed into liquid. The green areas on the map indicate where these high amounts of moisture reside.
The effects of this heavy rainfall have been severe, with several locations in western Washington recording daily rainfall records on December 10. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport set a new record that day, receiving 1.6 inches (40 millimeters) of rain. Other areas have experienced similar levels of precipitation.
Flooding has also been a major concern, particularly for rivers like the Skagit River and Snohomish River, which saw record or near-record flood levels on December 11. The aftermath of these floods has seen numerous roadways closed due to excess water and mudslides, including the eastbound lanes of I-90 out of western Washington.
To support ongoing response efforts by the Washington State Emergency Operations Center, NASA's Disasters Response Coordination System has been activated. As new information becomes available, maps and data products will be posted on their open-access mapping portal.
Heavy rain events like this one can have significant impacts on communities and infrastructure, making it essential for residents to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities.
Is that like a big wall of water in the sky or something? And how do they know where it's coming from if it's 7,000 miles away? 
Like, does it have its own little weather system or something?
The special effects were insane. And what's up with the rain in Seattle? I've always wanted to visit, but I don't know if I'd like it there all the time. Do they have umbrellas everywhere or something?
I just want summer already! 
! It's wild 2 think dat moisture comes all the way from near philippines 
. Anyways, i was thinking, maybe we cud use drones 2 monitor water levels & track floods in real time? Drones cud also help detect mudslides & other hazards earlier on 
. Just a thought 
like how are ppl supposed to get their daily grind done when ur stuck at home waiting for waters to recede? 
the rain is crazy though, 10 inches in 3 days? that's wild 
idk what's more concerning tho, the floods or the fact that it's been affecting other parts of the world too 
we need more research on how these atmospheric rivers affect our planet 
i mean i feel bad for those affected but come on we've got umbrellas & boots can't they just deal with a lil rain? 
meanwhile i'm over here in cali getting like 2 inches of rain every month and its a BIG DEAL 
Anyway, seriously though, this is some crazy weather stuff going on in the Pacific Northwest. I mean, 10 inches of rain in 72 hours? That's wild. And poor Seattle, setting a new record and all... guess they're just 'rainy' now (sorry not sorry 
). On a more serious note, glad NASA is using their fancy tech to help with response efforts – we could all use some good weather forecasting right about now 
.
! Like, 7,000 miles of moisture in the atmosphere? That's wild. I know some people are freaking out about the flooding and stuff, but come on, it's just Mother Nature being her usual dramatic self. 
The rain is actually kind of nice this time of year, you feel? Anyway, NASA's all over it with their satellite data and whatnot. I'm not saying we should be completely helpless against these storms, but let's keep things in perspective, right?
7,000 miles of moisture from near the Philippines? That's wild 
. I'm literally living vicariously through the satellite maps and NASA updates – so cool 
. Seattle is getting hit hard, that 1.6 inches in one day? That's crazy 
! Hope everyone stays safe and dry 
I mean, imagine having a giant water slide in the middle of America! That's kinda what's happening here with this atmospheric river. It's like Mother Nature is really pouring on the rain and just doesn't want to stop! 
. As the moisture-rich air from near the Philippines traverses across 7,000 miles, it's fascinating to see how NASA's GEOS system can track its progress using satellite data and models 
. The resulting heavy rainfall in the Pacific Northwest has brought catastrophic consequences, highlighting the need for effective communication between local authorities and residents to mitigate the effects of such events 
. It's also interesting to note that this event serves as a prime example of the interconnectedness of our global climate system 
️ I'm really worried about all the flooding in the Pacific Northwest, gotta hope everyone stays safe! The maps showing high levels of precipitable water vapor are crazy 
). anyway, to all my friends out there in the Pacific Northwest... stay safe, stay informed, and remember that even when things seem chaotic, there's always a way to find calm in the midst of it 