From mavensnotebook.com – “Pioneering work by the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has made it possible to forecast atmospheric rivers (ARs) with more precision and longer lead times. These forecast improvements have already begun to pay off by giving California more time to prepare for and mitigate impacts of droughts, floods, and other hazards.  ARs produce up to 50% of the annual precipitation over the western US and cause over 90% of insured flood losses in California. ƒPredicting strong ARs is important for managing water levels to prevent floods. ƒPredicting the absence of ARs is equally important to prepare for droughts. Over the last two years, there has only been one strong AR over California, leading the State into its current drought. ..” (more)