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Track the Latest Atmospheric River to Hit California

An atmospheric river continues to bring rain and wind to the Western United States.

Atmospheric rivers are essentially moisture streams in the sky and are often visible from space as narrow bands stretching from the West Coast out across the Pacific.

Flow of atmospheric water vapor

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration  The animation shows data from the GOES-18 satellite, which uses an infrared wavelength that detects water vapor in the upper troposphere,  All times on the map are Pacific. By William B. Davis

As these long, thin storm systems move across the ocean and hit land, they often bring extensive amounts of precipitation in the form of rain and snow.

Five-day precipitation forecast

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10+ inches
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Notes:  Values are shown only for the contiguous United States and are in inches of water or the equivalent amount of melted snow and ice. By Zach Levitt, Bea Malsky, Martín González Gómez and Madison Dong

As the moisture moves inland, use the map below to track the amount of precipitation that has already fallen in specific cities, zip codes and other locations.

Seven-day observed precipitation

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10+ inches
Source: National Weather Service Notes:  Values are in inches of water or the equivalent amount of melted snow and ice. By Bea Malsky and Martín González Gómez

More rain falling on top of ground saturated by precipitation from recent storms could increase the risk of flooding. The map below shows recent flooding detected along streams and rivers.

Tidal and river flooding

Minor

Moderate

Major

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Notes:  Minor flooding is defined as causing minimal or no property damage. Moderate flooding could lead to inundation of structures and roads, causing some evacuations. Major flooding could lead to extensive inundation of structures and roads, causing significant evacuations. By Bea Malsky

As streams rise, they can cover roads and force the closure of highways. With extreme rains, the ground can become so saturated that it gives way in the form of mudslides. Below is a map of recent road closures because of flooding and mudslides.

Weather-related traffic issues in California

Flooded roads

Mudslides

Source: California Highway Patrol Note: By Bea Malsky and Scott Reinhard