Several rounds of rain and snow will begin to impact the western United States late this week thanks to the “Pineapple Express.”
#AtmosphericRiver (aka #AR or #PineappleExpress) with moisture origins in Hawaii expected to impact central and northern California late week. Heaviest rain in the #SFBayArea expected on Friday & Friday night. #CAwx #CAstorm pic.twitter.com/xu3Z6RYM2v
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) April 4, 2018
The Pineapple Express—an atmospheric river of moisture originating near Hawaii—is often necessary to keep the West Coast drought-free. However, it can bring hazardous weather in the form of flooding and mudslides. But what is an atmospheric river?
You're going to be seeing the words "Atmospheric River" or "AR" quite a lot this week. Here's some information on Atmospheric Rivers.#cawx pic.twitter.com/UHMWqP1LZq
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) April 3, 2018
With a milder air mass in place, mountain locations like the Sierra Nevada will contend with melting snow and falling rain. The risk of flooding will increase.
Wondering how the incoming warm #atmosphericriver will impact the mountain snow pack? Here are a few key points straight from our hydrologist! #cawx #CAstorm #CAFlood pic.twitter.com/XUtEVhYHp6
— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) April 4, 2018
A Flood Watch is posted for the mountains and foothills along the California – Nevada border. Rainfall may exceed 6 inches in parts of the Sierra Nevada by Sunday.
River flooding is a concern. But what is the chance for debris flows or mudslides, especially in burn scar areas? WeatherNation spoke with the National Weather Service Bay Area office in Monterey, California. Meteorologist Scott Rowe explains.
More rain is headed for the West Coast. We spoke with @NWSBayArea about the possibility of flooding in burn scar areas in northern #California. pic.twitter.com/y0mUoAUQu9
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) April 4, 2018
As you might expect with a Pacific system, the Northwest will also join in on the rain and subsequently, the threat for flooding. Snow will be more of a concern with colder temperatures in place across the Northern Rockies and High Plains.
Snow totals may approach 6 inches in the valleys, plains, and lower elevation locations. The mountains—in Wyoming, in particular—may see snow accumulations near 12 inches.
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