.FOR CALIFORNIANS it felt like familiarity. In 2013 a procession of hurricanes, fed through atmospherical streams, killed a minimum of 21 people as well as resulted in virtually $5bn-worth of damages throughout the condition. On February fourth this year the same sort of storm once more wreaked havoc. Hurricane-strength winds buffeted the core shoreline near Large Sur. In Los Angeles famous people were soaked as they reached the Grammy honors' welcome mat. Estates in the Hollywood Hills were actually covered in dirt. A minimum of 3 people have died. What are climatic rivers, and are they a risk past California?