An exceptionally powerful atmospheric river fueled the deadly early April flooding disaster in the central and southern United States — a historic flood event and a poignant example of how the phenomenon acts differently in the East than it does in the West. It could signal added danger in a region less accustomed to hearing about them, particularly with another, less-potent one expected in the coming days. Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow streams of very moist air that act like a firehose to send gushing rain or snow where they point. They happen frequently around the globe, but are most well-known in the West, where they are responsible for a huge chunk of the region’s water supply and flood risk. But early April’s was special, a Category 5. “This was an exceptional atmospheric river, regardless of where you are in the United States,” said Jay Cordeira, an atmospheric scientist with the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E). “It was as strong as they come.” Scientists say atmospheric rivers are becoming more frequent and transporting more moisture as the world warms due to planet-heating fossil fuel pollution. The Category 5 was one of multiple atmospheric rivers that flowed into parts of the South, Midwest and Appalachians in quick succession and provided “significant moisture which supported heavy rainfall” from April 1 to 7, according to a recent report from Cordeira and his colleagues at CW3E. Six to 10 inches of rain fell over more than 750 miles from northeastern Texas to the Kentucky-Ohio border, while more than a foot of rain fell in parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky in just three-to-four days, causing widespread and deadly flooding. Flash flood emergencies — the most severe flash flood warning — were issued in parts of five states. Hundreds of roads were flooded in Kentucky and the state ran out of road-closing barricades. More than 500 homes were damaged by floodwater in Frankfort, Kentucky, alone. West vs. East Atmospheric rivers already occur much more frequently in the eastern half of the US than many people realize, according to Cordeira. “It’s kind of a misconception that they don’t happen on the East Coast, but they do happen with some regularity,” Cordeira explained. “The issue is that they don’t usually cause as many impacts as the ones on the West Coast.” Except for when they do, like earlier this month, and potentially in the days to come. New rounds of storms fueled by another atmospheric river will dump heavy rain from the southern Plains through parts of the Midwest this weekend, and “numerous” instances of flash flooding are likely in eastern Oklahoma, northern Arkansas and central Missouri, according to the Weather Prediction Center. A few important differences between West Coast atmospheric rivers and those that hit the eastern half of the US explain why their flood disasters are more common in the West but can have added danger in the East. The biggest difference is where each atmospheric river pulls its moisture from. Those in the West tap into the Pacific Ocean; those in the East tap into the Caribbean Sea and what the US government now calls the Gulf of America, but is still known outside the US as the Gulf of Mexico. Pacific atmospheric rivers pull together plenty of moisture, but the amount generated pales in comparison to the Gulf and Caribbean, which are basically the MVPs of warm, moist air. Plus, both are much warmer than normal, which could be supercharging how much moisture is on offer. More moisture generally leads to more intense atmospheric rivers, multiple studies have shown. The amount of moisture that flowed into the US in early April was remarkable in its own right. “There’s only been one or two storms that have hit the West Coast in the last 60 years that have had that value of water vapor transport,” Cordeira said of the East’s Category 5 atmospheric river. If eastern atmospheric rivers are generally juicier, why aren’t historic flooding events happening constantly? It has to do with the way each type wrings moisture out of the atmosphere. The West’s mountainous terrain is mainly what sends rain pouring to the ground below, according to Cordeira. Moist air forced up the tall terrain will eventually condense due to changes in temperature and rain itself out. The eastern half of the US also has mountains, but they’re not as tall and plentiful as those out West. Instead, eastern atmospheric rivers need to slam into a front to send rain gushing down, Cordeira explained. A front draped from Arkansas through Kentucky was stuck in place for days in early April. That front acted like the West’s mountains, forcing storms to form and dump torrential rain. But fronts like this aren’t always in place, so many atmospheric river events go by with their potential untapped. Atmospheric rivers out West also tend to dump their heaviest rain over the open water in the Pacific, because the storms they’re associated with typically peak in strength there. That’s not the case in the East. Eastern atmospheric rivers reach peak strength as they rush over land, putting many more people at risk of the most intense rain and flooding. Why Kentucky is at the epicenter Kentucky and surrounding states have been a magnet for disaster this year. Disastrous flooding struck the Bluegrass State in mid-February, killing 12 people. At the time, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called the flooding “one of the most significant natural disasters we’ve seen in our lifetime.” That event was also fueled by an atmospheric river, according to Cordeira — albeit one that wasn’t quite as strong and didn’t stick around for nearly as long as April’s. The answer to why this keeps happening is found out over the Atlantic Ocean, between Florida and Bermuda. High pressure meanders in this area year-round and helps steer moisture from the Gulf and Caribbean into the US. Exactly where the bulk of it goes depends on the season. Moisture usually flows right through the central Gulf Coast and into Tennessee and Kentucky and then parts of the Midwest in the spring and fall. It shifts a bit east in the winter and a bit west in the summer. “Kentucky and Tennessee just end up being this prime geographic battleground where you can get the right ingredients of moisture to the south and some type of (front) to the north that overlap,” Cordeira explained. And it could get worse as the world warms. The tropics are a “key source of moisture for atmospheric rivers” and as they warm the “moisture is intensifying the precipitation associated with these systems across the western and eastern United States,” the Fifth National Climate Assessment found. Atmospheric river studies have mainly focused on the West because of their more frequent impacts there, but eastern events have garnered more attention from researchers in recent years. A 2022 study found atmospheric rivers originating in the Gulf of Mexico are becoming more intense and larger with time as sea surface temperatures rise.
This notorious West Coast phenomenon fueled historic floods in the East. Another one is on the way
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Powerful Atmospheric River Causes Historic Flooding in Central and Southern U.S."
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
In early April, the central and southern United States experienced devastating flooding fueled by an exceptionally powerful atmospheric river, classified as a Category 5 event. This phenomenon, which typically brings significant moisture from the Pacific Ocean to the West Coast, has shown its potential for causing historic floods in the East as well. The flooding, which occurred between April 1 and 7, resulted in six to ten inches of rain across a vast area stretching from northeastern Texas to the Kentucky-Ohio border, with some regions, including Arkansas and Tennessee, receiving over a foot of rain within just a few days. The extreme rainfall led to flash flood emergencies across five states, damaging hundreds of homes and inundating numerous roads, particularly in Kentucky. Experts assert that atmospheric rivers are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, underscoring the need for heightened awareness of their impacts in regions that are less accustomed to such events.
Atmospheric rivers, while more commonly associated with the West, also occur regularly in the eastern United States. However, they often do not lead to significant flooding events due to geographical differences. In the West, mountainous terrain helps condense moisture and create heavy rainfall, whereas in the East, atmospheric rivers require specific weather fronts to generate similar effects. The recent severe flooding in Kentucky and surrounding states is attributed to a persistent weather front that allowed the atmospheric river to unleash its full potential. The region's geography makes it a focal point for moisture from the Gulf and Caribbean, particularly in spring and fall. As climate change continues to warm ocean temperatures, the intensity and frequency of atmospheric rivers are expected to increase, raising concerns about future flooding risks in both the East and West. Recent studies have begun to highlight the growing significance of atmospheric rivers in the East, indicating a pressing need for further research and preparedness as these events become more common and severe.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the impact of a powerful atmospheric river that caused historic flooding in the central and southern United States, emphasizing the phenomenon's effects differently in the East compared to the West. It provides insight into how climate change may be exacerbating these events, suggesting a growing awareness and concern about environmental issues.
Purpose and Public Perception
The intention behind publishing this article is likely to inform the public about the increasing severity and frequency of extreme weather events like atmospheric rivers, particularly in regions that may not be as prepared for such phenomena. By detailing the catastrophic impacts of the recent floods, the article aims to raise awareness about climate change and its real-world consequences, encouraging readers to consider the implications of environmental policies and fossil fuel dependency.
Potential Information Gaps
While the article focuses on the flooding and the meteorological aspects, it may not delve deeply into the underlying factors contributing to climate change, such as specific governmental policies or corporate practices that perpetuate fossil fuel use. This omission could lead to a lack of critical analysis regarding responsibility for climate change, thereby limiting public discourse on actionable solutions.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not overtly display manipulative language; however, it emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the flooding and the role of atmospheric rivers in a manner that could elicit fear and urgency. This emotional appeal may serve to galvanize public support for climate action but could also risk overshadowing nuanced discussions about adaptation and resilience.
Comparative Context
When compared to other articles discussing climate events, this piece aligns with a growing trend in media coverage that highlights extreme weather as a consequence of climate change. It connects with a broader narrative in the news cycle that seeks to make the public aware of environmental issues and their impacts on everyday life, contributing to a more urgent public discourse.
Societal and Economic Implications
The ramifications of this news could influence public policy, potentially leading to increased funding for disaster relief and climate resilience initiatives. It may also affect local economies, particularly in regions hard-hit by flooding, where businesses may struggle to recover. Politically, this article could bolster advocacy for more aggressive climate policies among constituents concerned about environmental safety.
Audience Targeting
This article likely resonates with environmentally conscious communities, policymakers, and individuals directly affected by climate-related disasters. It aims to engage those who are already aware of climate issues, while also attempting to inform a broader audience who may not be as familiar with atmospheric phenomena.
Market and Global Dynamics
In terms of its impact on the stock market, this news could influence sectors related to disaster recovery, insurance, and renewable energy. Companies involved in climate resilience and infrastructure may see increased interest and investment as public awareness grows. Furthermore, the article ties into global discussions on climate change, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and action, especially as extreme weather events become more prevalent.
AI Involvement
The article's writing style appears consistent with traditional journalistic standards, suggesting that it may not have been significantly influenced by AI in its creation. However, AI models could have been used in data analysis or in generating forecasts about the impacts of atmospheric rivers, indirectly informing the content. If AI were involved, it could have shaped the narrative by selecting data points that emphasize the urgency of the situation.
In summary, while the article effectively informs readers about a critical issue, it may also simplify complex problems surrounding climate change. Its reliability hinges on the accuracy of the data presented and the thoroughness of the analysis, suggesting that while it is a valuable contribution to the discourse, it should be read with a critical eye regarding the broader implications and responsibilities associated with climate change.