In the next few months Washington DC may experience an atmospheric river event

BY STEVEN KASZAB

Are they prepared for such an anomaly?

Atmospheric Rivers are relatively narrow regions in the atmosphere that are responsible for most horizontal transport of water vapor outside of the tropics. They are becoming more commonplace due to the effects of climate change and the warming of the planet’s atmosphere. More moisture in the air creates related events of downpours, flooding and urban destruction.

Northern and Central California was hit with pummeling rainstorms the residents called “The Pineapple Express.” Generated by low pressure from Hawaii the moist air was propelled landward away from the shoreline and down the state. All areas, which have a great deal of moisture in their atmosphere and snow at high levels, can experience these climate events. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned all states and provinces along the ocean border will experience storms, with the possibility of reacquiring Atmospheric Rivers. Weather has a cyclical history in particular regions. In 2024, 51 Atmospheric Rivers struck America’s West Coast. These events are becoming much more commonplace events, with a 50% increase from the year before.

“”A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence”

Atmospheric Rivers are an essential part of the globe’s water cycle, bringing much needed water and snow to areas that would otherwise experience drought throughout the year. These regions’ water tables are filled with fresh water. Unfortunately, the authorities need to prepare their emergency services capabilities in case of landslides, flooding, collapse of buildings, over saturation of urban centers and waste and refuse pollution of flooded areas. California is working on the development of road construction that can withstand these climatic events. Costs to the public sector are staggering. Private Insurance Firms cannot withstand the costs, selling flood, landslide and tornado insurance, but if the scale of the event is too large, these same insurance firms will not respond to their clients’ needs, often cancelling insurance policies before an event happens.

Atmospheric River events will happen on the East Coast too, as the snow and moisture levels have been very high this season. Perhaps President Trump should invest in the emergency services sector and Marine Coast Guard instead of cutting services across the board.

“A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence” (Jim Watkins). Humanity cannot manage a climatic event, nor an atmospheric river. The only thing we can do is try to understand it through studying its history of events and warn our fellow man.

This summer will be an example of what, where, and how mother nature can mess with us. Be it: water, fire, drought and fog the weather will mold and form us as a people.