Insider Blog: What’s causing the flooding in the Pacific Northwest amid a dry spell here at home
The end of November and beginning of December has been largely warm and dry.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/RBoMcH3D-WX-story-1.jpg)
We've only measured minimal amounts of rain sinceĀ Thanksgiving.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/JNMCIl6L-WX-story-2.jpg)
While many have likely enjoyed the quiet weather, it's left us noticeably dry across the region.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/LnPcdZDV-WX-story-3.jpg)
Some mid-Missourians have found themselves in a 30-day rain deficit of nearly an inch and a half.
Meanwhile, folks in the Pacific Northwest are dealing with flooding and landslides thanks to something called an atmospheric river.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/MmGXnipi-WX-story-4.jpg)
These are areas of water vapor that transport large amounts of atmospheric moisture.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/15EAkHzO-WX-story-5.jpg)
This atmospheric river has been lapping waves of moisture from the Pacific Ocean onto the coast of Washington this week.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/r6zsIaql-WX-story-6.jpg)
And it looks like it will continue, bringing more unwanted rain and snow to the region.
![](https://abc17news.b-cdn.net/abc17news.com/2021/12/WX-story-7.jpg)
More moisture that some here locally would be happy to see.Ā Ā