US Storms Linked to Destructive Atmospheric River Phenomenon
Heavy rain and powerful storms have battered California, forcing evacuation warnings due to flood risk. The storm surge was attributed to an atmospheric river phenomenon - a long filament of moisture-laden air that originates above the Pacific Ocean and replenishes reservoirs and snowpack along the western US coast.
However, these same rivers can unleash devastating volumes of rain, particularly in coastal areas. In Colorado, parts of the state experienced record-long stretches of snowless days this year, with Denver recording its third-warmest November temperature ever, 28C, forcing ski resorts to delay opening until December.
As the weather continues to shift, severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc on northern and eastern Australia, knocking out power to over 11,000 homes due to heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. The intense storms were fueled by humid tropical air from the north and exacerbated bushfires in New South Wales, where hot and windy conditions further intensified the blaze.
Meanwhile, Japan's high-altitude town of Sukayu received a whopping 1 meter of snowfall in a record-breaking early-season storm, shattering records. Heavy snow also pummeled parts of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. In Italy, extreme rainfall led to mudslides resulting in two deaths and significant flooding in the north, including a town forced to evacuate due to a river overflow.
As weather patterns continue to evolve, experts are tracking the impact of these atmospheric rivers on the US and beyond. The unpredictable nature of these phenomena highlights the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions when severe weather is forecast.
Heavy rain and powerful storms have battered California, forcing evacuation warnings due to flood risk. The storm surge was attributed to an atmospheric river phenomenon - a long filament of moisture-laden air that originates above the Pacific Ocean and replenishes reservoirs and snowpack along the western US coast.
However, these same rivers can unleash devastating volumes of rain, particularly in coastal areas. In Colorado, parts of the state experienced record-long stretches of snowless days this year, with Denver recording its third-warmest November temperature ever, 28C, forcing ski resorts to delay opening until December.
As the weather continues to shift, severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc on northern and eastern Australia, knocking out power to over 11,000 homes due to heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. The intense storms were fueled by humid tropical air from the north and exacerbated bushfires in New South Wales, where hot and windy conditions further intensified the blaze.
Meanwhile, Japan's high-altitude town of Sukayu received a whopping 1 meter of snowfall in a record-breaking early-season storm, shattering records. Heavy snow also pummeled parts of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. In Italy, extreme rainfall led to mudslides resulting in two deaths and significant flooding in the north, including a town forced to evacuate due to a river overflow.
As weather patterns continue to evolve, experts are tracking the impact of these atmospheric rivers on the US and beyond. The unpredictable nature of these phenomena highlights the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions when severe weather is forecast.