GOES East is watching two storms moving across the United States on Dec. 20, 2019, that may hinder holiday travel through next week.
The first, fueled by an atmospheric river of moisture streaming into the Pacific Northwest from an area near Hawaii (affectionately known as the “Pineapple Express” in meteorological circles), is bringing heavy rain along the West Coast as well as several feet of snow to the Cascades. Also, flood watches and winter storm warnings are in effect for numerous counties in Washington and Oregon.
The second storm, currently moving across the Mid-South, is forecast to strengthen and bring heavy rainfall to the Southeast this weekend. Gusty winds, coastal flooding, and strong thunderstorms may also be possible.
This beautiful image was taken from a “limb view” perspective, looking toward the edge of the atmosphere rather than straight down at the ground.
The GOES East geostationary satellite, also known as GOES-16, keeps watch over most of North America, including the continental United States and Mexico, as well as Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west coast of Africa. The satellite's high-resolution imagery provides optimal viewing of severe weather events, including thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes.