News Climate By flying over atmospheric rivers, scientists aim to improve forecasts These drenching storms are pummeling the U.S. West Coast, bringing dangerous flooding and snow Floodwaters fill the streets of Pajaro, Calif., on March 14 in the wake of an atmospheric river that dumped heavy rain and breached a levee on the Pajaro River. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterestPocketRedditPrint By Carolyn Gramling March 19, 2023 at 7:00 am The term “atmospheric river” may sound airy and ethereal, but these massive, fast-moving, drenching storms can hit as hard as a freight train.