Saturday, February 3, 2024
A powerful atmospheric river storm targets Southern California, threatening floods and landslides as the state recovers from a previous deluge.
An incoming powerful weather system, described as an atmospheric river storm, is set to target Southern California this weekend, with forecasters issuing warnings about potentially devastating floods and landslides. This comes as the state begins to recover from a previous bout of heavy rainfall.
The weather event is predicted to escalate on Saturday, bringing heavy rain across a broad area of Southern California by Sunday and Monday, February 5th, affecting areas from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, down through Los Angeles to San Diego.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for possible extensive flooding, expecting an extraordinary volume of rain over a day and a half, coupled with forceful wind gusts.
Coastal and valley regions could see rainfall amounts between 3 to 6 inches, with 6 to 12 inches forecasted for the lower mountain areas by Monday, February 5th. The heightened risk of flooding is due to already wet conditions and elevated stream levels from Thursday’s storm.
Forecasters are urging the public to prepare for significant flood risks. Particularly high rainfall amounts, up to 15 inches, may occur in the mountain regions of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, which are anticipated to be the hardest hit.
Areas at the base of mountains and hills, especially those with recent wildfire damage, are at an increased risk of flash floods, debris flows, and landslides.
The weather service highlighted the widespread flood risk, stressing that urban areas are also in danger of life-threatening conditions.
The timing of the storm could affect the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, with preparations being made to protect attendees from the weather. Local crews are also working to mitigate flood risks by distributing sandbags and clearing waterways.
Flash-flood warnings extend to parts of California’s Central Coast and the San Francisco Bay Area, where wind might play a significant role in the storm’s impact.
Despite the immediate flood dangers, the snowfall expected in higher elevations is welcomed by ski resorts, and the storm contributes positively to the region’s snowpack, an essential water source that has been below average despite last year’s significant winter storms.
Cleanup efforts are underway from the recent storm that caused flooding and landslides across California. These weather events are part of a series of atmospheric river storms, including those known as “Pineapple Express,” which have significant impacts on the state’s climate, alleviating drought conditions but also causing severe damage and loss of life.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
