California Braces for Two Storms, Threatening Flooding and Landslides
As California continues its recovery from a devastating storm in early February, the state is now preparing for the arrival of two more storms that are expected to bring heavy rainfall and pose a risk of flooding and landslides. Although these storms are not forecasted to be as severe as the previous one, the slow-moving nature of the second storm and the repeated rounds of rain present a significant threat to the region.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 27 million people in California are under flood watches that span from Northern California down to parts of the Los Angeles area. The first storm is expected to arrive on Saturday and will serve as a primer, increasing soil moisture and causing rivers and streams to rise before the heavier rain from the second storm on Sunday. The initial storm will bring 1 to 2 inches of moderate rainfall to the Northern California coast throughout Saturday. However, lighter rain is expected in the Central Coast and Southern California.
The second storm, which is anticipated to be more potent, will arrive on Sunday afternoon and stall near the coast until early next week. This system increases the potential for excessive precipitation across the state until Wednesday. In the northern part of California, impactful weather conditions are predicted for Sunday, with lowlands experiencing 1 to 3 inches of rain, and higher elevations expecting up to 5 inches. The National Weather Service office in San Francisco warns that the already saturated soils around the Bay Area may lead to numerous shallow landslides in areas with steep terrain.
While gusty winds are anticipated, they are not expected to be as severe as those experienced during the February storm. Wind gusts ranging from 35 to 50 mph are most likely on Sunday night into Monday, potentially causing downed trees and power outages. The heaviest rain is projected to shift south late Sunday and early Monday, affecting the Central Coast and parts of Southern California. Santa Barbara is particularly at risk, with a Level 3 out of 4 warning for flooding rain from Sunday to Monday night. By Monday afternoon, the heavy rain will reach Los Angeles, where a Level 2 out of 4 risk for flooding rain will be in place from Tuesday into early Wednesday. The Weather Prediction Center states that rainfall rates in these regions could reach up to 1 inch per hour, with totals of 2 to 4 inches forecasted for coastal areas and 4 to 6 inches in higher elevations from Sunday to Wednesday.
In addition to heavy rainfall along the coast, higher elevations are expected to receive significant snowfall. The first storm is predicted to bring 4 to 10 inches of snow to the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade mountains by Sunday morning. The National Weather Service office in Medford, Oregon, even suggests that Mount Shasta could see up to two feet of snow accumulation, delighting ski enthusiasts. However, it is the second storm that poses a greater threat in terms of snowfall. By Wednesday, snowfall totals in the Sierra Nevada could reach up to 2 feet for areas above 5500 feet in elevation, with the highest peaks potentially receiving up to 4 feet of snow. The National Weather Service office in Sacramento strongly advises against mountain travel during the storm, as it may lead to difficult and even impossible travel conditions, snow-covered roads, chain controls, reduced visibility, and road closures.
As California braces for these two storms, authorities and residents are taking precautions to minimize the risks associated with heavy rain and snowfall. The significant concerns for flooding and landslides highlight the need for preparedness and vigilance during this period. It is crucial for individuals in affected areas to stay informed about weather updates and follow any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities. By taking necessary precautions, California can navigate through these storms with minimal damage and ensure the safety of its residents.
