January 13, 2023 - Storms Continue to Batter the West Coast of the United States
atmospheric rivers
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On January 11, 2023, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
(MODIS) on board NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired a true-color image of
yet atmospheric river winding up over the Pacific Ocean and taking aim
at a thoroughly-drenched California.
A series of five back-to-back atmospheric rivers has battered much of
the state since late December 2022, creating severe flooding,
landslides, more than a billion dollars of damage, and the death of at
least 18 people.
According to the National Weather Service, almost all of the state has
received rainfall totals of 400-600 percent above average between
December 26, 2022 and January 9, 2023. The latest storm hit
particularly hard in Southern California. Over January 8-9, 2023, much
of the region from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles received 3 to 7 inches
(8 to 18 cm) of rain. Some areas of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
saw over 16 inches (41 cm) of rainfall in just two days. The highest
rainfall reported was in Ventura, which recorded 18.78 inches (47.7
cm).
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow corridor of concentrated
moisture that can transport moisture for thousands of miles—they are
the largest transport mechanism of freshwater on Earth. They are also
among the most damaging storm types in the middle latitudes, especially
with regard to the hazardous wind they produce.
While January 12 brought some relatively clear skies and a break in the
rain to parts of California, the next system will bring rain and snow
to the West Coast beginning on January 13. As it exits, yet another
atmospheric river is expected to bring additional precipitation and
wind starting on January 15.
Image Facts
Satellite: Aqua
Date Acquired: 1/11/2023
Resolutions: 1km (4.5 MB),
Bands Used: 1,4,3
Image Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC
https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2023-01-13
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