What is atmospheric river hunting? And why is it coming to Portland?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- This coming winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) “Hurricane Hunters” are basing a high-altitude jet in Portland to fly atmospheric rivers data-collecting missions. KOIN 6 meteorologist Steve Pierce got a full tour on Wednesday. When an atmospheric river is forming, NOAA’s specialized Gulfstream IV science jet is flown over the Pacific [...]