TNW News Breaking News Report

Hurricane Hunters Track Powerful Atmospheric River Impacting the West Coast

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Forecasters are gaining critical insights into the next storm set to impact the West Coast this weekend, thanks to the efforts of the Hurricane Hunters. These specialized missions, flown by the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, are providing real-time data on the atmospheric river storm currently over the Pacific Ocean.

The Hurricane Hunters conducted a 10-hour flight overnight from Thursday into Friday, gathering vital weather data. This storm system is expected to bring urban and river flooding to western Washington and Oregon, with heavy rainfall beginning Saturday and continuing through Tuesday.

The squadron is scheduled for two additional missions into the atmospheric river on Friday. The final flight will depart from Honolulu, Hawaii, at approximately 9 a.m. local time.

What is an Atmospheric River?

During the winter months, the Hurricane Hunters shift their focus from hurricanes to atmospheric rivers, which have proven to be highly impactful for the West. According to Lt. Col. Ryan Rickert, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer, "The data we collect is essential for the National Weather Service and researchers to track atmospheric rivers, which transport vast amounts of water vapor across the Earth's atmosphere."

Experts at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes note that atmospheric rivers contribute to an average of $1 billion in damages annually. Advances in forecasting technology, including the use of reconnaissance aircraft, are helping improve predictions and mitigation efforts.

These missions involve flights between 24,000 and 32,000 feet to collect critical data on winds, temperature, humidity, dewpoint, and pressure. Advanced sensors, including dropsondes, are deployed into the storm to obtain measurements that cannot be captured by ground-based weather stations or satellites. The collected data is transmitted to the National Center for Environmental Prediction to enhance forecast models.

For the first time, Hurricane Hunter operations are also launching from Yokota Air Base in Japan, in addition to bases in Washington state, California, Mississippi, and Hawaii.

West Coast Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding

The latest TNW Weather forecast indicates that the Pacific Northwest will experience significant rainfall, with some areas expecting up to 8 inches through Tuesday. Urban and river flooding is likely, with the Skokomish River forecast to rise above minor flood stage by Sunday.

In addition to rain, heavy snowfall is expected in the Cascades at elevations above 6,500 feet. A multi-day flash flood threat has also been identified along the Washington-Oregon coast, extending into Idaho and Montana, where frozen ground conditions increase the risk of rapid runoff.

TNW Weather will provide continuous updates as this storm develops. Visit TNWWeather.com and follow us on X,