Slightly unusual 'atmospheric river' event to hit Southeast U.S.

Npr - May 11th, 2025

A jet stream over the Gulf of Mexico is expected to affect the Southeastern United States with heavy rainfall beginning this weekend through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The atmospheric river could dump 4 to 6 inches of rain across the region, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches. States like Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are predicted to experience most of the rainfall. The National Weather Service warns that the increased chances of rain could lead to flooding, especially from Monday to Tuesday.

This atypical weather pattern is due to a 'cutoff low,' which causes the jet stream to divert and form a closed-off low-pressure system. While atmospheric rivers often impact the Western U.S., their presence in the Southeast isn't unprecedented. This event may benefit regions suffering from drought conditions, such as parts of Florida that experienced a dry winter. However, it also poses a significant flood risk, especially in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid flooded areas, and adhere to safety protocols during flash floods.

Noaa National Weather Service Gulf Of Mexico Andrew Hazelton Atmospheric River Flood Risk Jet Stream Southeastern United States

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article is a well-researched and timely piece that provides accurate information on an unusual atmospheric river event affecting the Southeastern United States. It effectively balances expert opinions with factual data, offering a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts, including both benefits and risks. The clarity and readability of the article make it accessible to a wide audience, while its timeliness ensures relevance to current events. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of sources and more detailed transparency regarding the methodology behind weather predictions. Overall, it serves as a valuable resource for informing the public about an important weather event while maintaining a neutral and informative tone.

Accuracy

The story accurately describes the meteorological phenomenon of an atmospheric river affecting the Southeastern United States, which is corroborated by multiple sources such as FOX Weather and AccuWeather. The forecasted rainfall amounts, affected states, and potential for flooding are all consistent with expert reports. The explanation of the atmospheric river and its unusual path is well-supported by meteorological data and expert commentary, making the story highly accurate. However, the specific mention of isolated spots receiving up to 12 inches of rain would benefit from additional corroborative data to ensure precision.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by incorporating expert opinions and factual data from the National Weather Service and a scientist from the University of Miami. It discusses both the potential benefits of the rain for drought-stricken areas and the risks of flooding, providing a comprehensive overview of the situation. However, it could have included more perspectives from local authorities or residents in the affected areas to enhance the balance of viewpoints.

Clarity

The article is well-written with clear language and logical structure, making it easy to understand. It effectively explains complex meteorological concepts such as atmospheric rivers and cutoff lows in layman's terms. The tone is neutral and informative, which aids in comprehension. The inclusion of direct quotes from experts adds clarity to the explanations provided.

Source quality

The article relies on reputable sources such as the National Weather Service and a scientist associated with NOAA, which enhances its credibility. These sources are authoritative in the field of meteorology, providing reliable information. However, the article does not cite a wide variety of sources, relying primarily on these two, which could limit the breadth of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides clear explanations of the meteorological phenomena and the basis for the claims made, citing expert opinions and the National Weather Service. However, it lacks detailed transparency regarding the methodology used to predict the weather patterns and the potential impact on specific localities. More information on how the forecasts were derived would improve transparency.