Reflection

I live in eastern Washington State, a shrub-steppe ecosystem that is semi-arid, receiving annually only 10 inches of precipitation.

And yet, today, an atmospheric river is set to inundate us with winds and rain. What is usually a dusty road now is filled with flowing rain, that happens to make an interesting reflection photo.

Yes, on a usually dusty road, the atmospheric river today began its flooding as seen in the reflection of my car’s lights on the running water in the road.

FLOODING ALERT

screenshot of NOAA National Weather Service alert for flooding in our area — Screenshot of National Weather Service Alert.
Note: page may change as new alerts are added.

I receive and depend on alerts like this from the National Weather Service [part of NOAA]. This is a flood alert from the atmospheric river forming in our usually dry area.

I was able to still look up information, although who knows how long it will be available. The US Department of Agriculture still has its webpage “Climate Change Impacts the Northwest.”

We now have far less precipitation in the summer and more precipitation in winter and spring as rain rather than snow — the snowpack that feeds our rivers for water.

And more extreme events, like the flooding we will see this week.

We need this information to stay available in order for people to learn tactics and solutions for dealing with climate change.

Reflection 2: Pay attention.

About The Challenge

Flickr’s 21st Birthday Photo Challenge Today’s prompt: Reflection

Flickr turns twenty-one this year and I’ve been a member since 2009, for sixteen years. I love Flickr — sharing, albums, descriptions, groups, license choices. It’s a great way to connect and share with others– and stay in charge of your own work.

So, I’ve decided to join the birthday challenge, which follows these prompts. I’ll add a note about the photo in each description. See the Flickr 21 Birthday Challenge Group pool here.

I’ve added these photos to a new album, Challenge Photography, which will hold any photos I take for different challenges. When you click the tag for the challenge #flickr21challenge, you’ll see a list of your own submissions, recently tagged photos, and then all the photos with the tag.