National Weather Service on Instagram: "If you live in the West, you’re likely to see the words “atmospheric river” pop up in the forecast over the next several days. This is not a new term; in fact it was coined in 1994! But what is an atmospheric river, and what weather hazards can you expect? Meteorologist Haley Thiem explains."

Oct 27, 8am EDT update on #Melissa from the National Hurricane Center: Jamaica: Do not venture out of your safe shelter. Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely today through Tuesday. Destructive winds, especially in the mountains, will begin by this evening, leading to extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities. Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along the southern