'Horizontal hurricane’ research

Massive storms sweeping across California from the Pacific Ocean have played havoc for much of its recorded history. In the decades since the mid-19th century, similar “atmospheric rivers” storms have killed dozens, inflicted billions of dollars in damage, and in 2017, blasted apart the spillways of the nation’s tallest dam that sent about 200,000 people into evacuation mode. Forecasters still don’t know enough about these “horizontal hurricanes” despite the role they play in replenishing the state’s drought-prone water supply. Last week above the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and San Francisco, two WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the Keesler, AFB, Miss., and crews from the AF Reserve “Hurricane Hunters” are taking part in a years-long research project to improve atmospheric river forecasting. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron’s mission over the coming months: WC-130s departing from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii; or from Travis AFB, Calif., and will each release 25 sensors called dropsondes into a forming atmospheric river system. (Source: Sacramento Bee 01/312/20) https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article239807068.html#storylink=cpy