Atmospheric Rivers Hold Key to Weekend Storms

Northern Californians are excited about a rain-soaked weekend. The whole state needs every drop. Right now, though, scientists are exploring a water source that's critically important to California but that few of us even know about: Rivers in the sky. Atmospheric rivers are long, conveyer-belt-like streams of moisture carrying as much water as 15 Mississippi Rivers combined ... and flowing toward the west coast. Understanding their behavior, how air particles affect rain and snowfall, and the link between reservoir management and atmospheric rivers are all part of a project called Cal Water 2015, led by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Science Reporter Danielle Venton spent a day in a NOAA research prop plane and brings us more.