Satellite Images Show The Effects Of Recent Atmospheric River Storms
Recently, California was hit by multiple successive storms that dumped heavy rain and snow over the state. Satellite imagery from before and after the storms show how impactful the excessive rainfall really was.
After at least nine atmospheric rivers in a little more than three weeks dumped more than 30 trillion gallons of water on California, the state’s landscape of deep valleys, tall mountains and rugged coastlines has been visibly altered. Those changes, which extend well out into the Pacific Ocean, can be vividly seen from space now that the storm clouds have cleared.
atellite imagery from before and after the atmospheric rivers, which are narrow bands of extreme moisture that produce heavy rain and snow, tell the story of a state that has seen devastating flood damage, rising reservoirs, and billions of gallons of water lost to the ocean after a three-year drought.
Strong winds and waves battered the California coastline, toppling trees and scattering debris. At Seacliff State Beach in Santa Cruz County, the waves washed a piece of an iconic pier into the ocean. In nearby Capitola, the wharf could be closed for a year after massive waves up to 35 feet took a chunk out of a pier and left widespread debris.
President Biden toured both areas Thursday along with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. The damage extends up and down the California coastline with statewide damage estimates ranging from at least $1 billion to as much as $34 billion.
