On Sunday, Southern California was hit by a dangerous storm and flooding caused by an atmospheric river. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a stern warning, stating that the storm posed major risks to life and property, including substantial flooding. The residents were urged to heed evacuation orders and stay off the roads, especially the freeways.
Even before the full force of the storm hit the state, northern California experienced hurricane-force winds with gusts of almost 90mph. California had been preparing for weeks worth of rainfall over the next few days, which raised concerns about dangerous flooding and mudslides. Forecasters predicted that Los Angeles could receive up to 15 inches of rainfall through Wednesday.
The impact of the storm was significant, with more than 242,000 customers in the state losing power. In addition, there was already over a foot of snow observed northwest of Lake Tahoe within 24 hours. As a precautionary measure, more than seven million sandbags were prepared to stem the expected water flows.
The storm posed a threat to lives and property, according to Eric Schoening from the National Weather Service. The worst of the storm was expected to hit California between Sunday and Tuesday. To protect beachfront homes, Long Beach built a sand levy, while the LA Fire Department issued evacuation orders ahead of expected landslides. Evacuation centers were set up at the Sunland Senior Citizen Center and Lake View Terrace Recreation Center.
The California Highway Patrol used a Taylor Swift meme to humorously remind people to slow down in the snow. Meanwhile, San Jose declared a state of emergency due to the severe weather conditions.
The atmospheric river brought heavy rain, flash flooding, hurricane-force winds, possible tornadoes, and significant snowfall to California. The Santa Cruz and Santa Lucia Mountains were particularly vulnerable to heavy rain and flooding. The situation remained a serious concern, and residents were advised to remain cautious and follow any instructions or evacuation orders provided by the authorities.
Overall, the dangerous storm and flooding caused by the atmospheric river had a significant impact on Southern California. It highlighted the importance of preparedness and following safety measures during extreme weather events. The residents were urged to prioritize their safety and stay informed about the changing weather conditions.
