Why Are We Having So Many Floods This Winter?
Winter 2016 has already been a tough one when it comes to extreme weather. Missouri saw record breaking flooding as we brought in the New Year. Winter storm Jonas brought major flooding to the East Coast. This extremely wet winter season shows promise of a devastating flood season as well. Let's take a look at what is expected throughout the next couple of months and why:
This year's El Niño, one of the strongest on record, is expected to influence weather and climate patterns this winter by impacting the position of the Pacific jet stream. Keep in mind that there are several other factors that can influence the winter weather patterns as well, including the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation. These factors however, can be difficult to predict more than a few weeks in advance. Let's take a look the latest outlook for precipitation across the U.S. for now through March 2016:
While these projections don't show when and where individual storms may occur, it shows a trend of wetter than usual weather over much of the southern U.S. Parts of the Northeast seaboard may also see more precipitation than they would during a typical winter. But why?
In addition to a strong El Niño, we have a few other factors to thank for this extremely wet winter season we've already started to experience:
North Atlantic Oscillation - A weather phenomenon in the North Atlantic Ocean of fluctuations in the difference of atmospheric pressure at sea level. It controls the strength and direction of westerly winds and storm tracks across the North Atlantic. It is one of the most important manifestations of climate fluctuations in the North Atlantic and surrounding humid climates.
Arctic Oscillation - A large scale mode of climate variability. It is a climate pattern characterized by the strength of counterclockwise winds around the Arctic. Its positive phase confines cold air to the polar regions, while it's negative phase is associated with cold air penetrating farther south, as well as an increased chance of nor'easters.
Madden-Julian Oscillation - A tropical disturbance that propagates eastward around the global tropics with a cycle every 30-60 days. It has wide ranging impacts on the patterns of tropical and extratropical precipitation, atmospheric circulation, and surface temperature around the global tropics and subtropics. This can contribute to blocking activity, which impacts the amount of precipitation across the Pacific Northwest. While it does not cause El Niño, it can contribute to the speed development and intensity of El Niño episodes.
When you know wet weather is on the way, it only makes sense to get prepared for it! Now is the time to make sure you have a plan to mitigate flood damage. Having an easily stockpiled flood protection system on hand is something every emergency plan should include. Flooding can occur anywhere, at anytime and it's easier to prepare for it than to clean up after the fact. Big Bags USA® is here to help local, state and federal agencies be prepared for what's to come this winter and spring. Protect yourself, your family, your property and your community by making a plan today. Give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 for more information on our protective flood barriers!
2016 Winter Outlook
This year's El Niño, one of the strongest on record, is expected to influence weather and climate patterns this winter by impacting the position of the Pacific jet stream. Keep in mind that there are several other factors that can influence the winter weather patterns as well, including the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and the Madden-Julian Oscillation. These factors however, can be difficult to predict more than a few weeks in advance. Let's take a look the latest outlook for precipitation across the U.S. for now through March 2016:
While these projections don't show when and where individual storms may occur, it shows a trend of wetter than usual weather over much of the southern U.S. Parts of the Northeast seaboard may also see more precipitation than they would during a typical winter. But why?
North Atlantic Oscillation - A weather phenomenon in the North Atlantic Ocean of fluctuations in the difference of atmospheric pressure at sea level. It controls the strength and direction of westerly winds and storm tracks across the North Atlantic. It is one of the most important manifestations of climate fluctuations in the North Atlantic and surrounding humid climates.
Arctic Oscillation - A large scale mode of climate variability. It is a climate pattern characterized by the strength of counterclockwise winds around the Arctic. Its positive phase confines cold air to the polar regions, while it's negative phase is associated with cold air penetrating farther south, as well as an increased chance of nor'easters.
Madden-Julian Oscillation - A tropical disturbance that propagates eastward around the global tropics with a cycle every 30-60 days. It has wide ranging impacts on the patterns of tropical and extratropical precipitation, atmospheric circulation, and surface temperature around the global tropics and subtropics. This can contribute to blocking activity, which impacts the amount of precipitation across the Pacific Northwest. While it does not cause El Niño, it can contribute to the speed development and intensity of El Niño episodes.
Don't Wait - Prepare Now!
When you know wet weather is on the way, it only makes sense to get prepared for it! Now is the time to make sure you have a plan to mitigate flood damage. Having an easily stockpiled flood protection system on hand is something every emergency plan should include. Flooding can occur anywhere, at anytime and it's easier to prepare for it than to clean up after the fact. Big Bags USA® is here to help local, state and federal agencies be prepared for what's to come this winter and spring. Protect yourself, your family, your property and your community by making a plan today. Give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 for more information on our protective flood barriers!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
Comments
Post a Comment