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NOAA satellites are monitoring a series of atmospheric rivers

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affecting the West Coast.

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These storms are bringing heavy rain and mountain snow

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to California and the Pacifici Northwest.

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Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow belts of moisture that move

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through the atmosphere.

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The can deliver tremendous amounts of rain and high-elevation snow.

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These systems can vary in size and strength and can account for 30-50%

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of annual rainfall in West Coast states.

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NOAA satellites monitor these rivers in the sky as they make their

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way over the Pacific Ocean and impact the western U.S.

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GOES West provides detailed information about moisture in the

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atmosphere and allows forecasters
to track atmospheric rivers as they happen.

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The satellites provide critical data about the movement of clouds

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and water vapor patterns.

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Meanwhile, JPSS satellites collect multi-layered data on temperature

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and moisture using microwave sounding instruments.

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The microwave sounding instruments onboard allow scientists to see

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through the cloud cover and probe the atmosphere vertically.

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The data gives forecasters advanced warning 

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about heavy rain and snowfall.

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As atmospheric rivers continue to impact the western U.S.,

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NOAA satellites will closely monitor these events and provide critical

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information to forecasters and local communities.

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Earth From Orbit: NOAA Satellites Track Atmospheric Rivers

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Total Precipitable Water graphic courtesy of CIMSS.

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NASA Meatball

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