California Braces for Back-to-Back Storms and Flash Flooding
California is on high alert as back-to-back storms are set to hit the west coast this weekend, bringing heavy downpours and an increased risk of flash flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of northern California and the Central Coast, including the city of San Francisco, from Sunday morning until Wednesday morning. While these storms are not expected to be as severe as the previous atmospheric river event, officials are urging residents to remain cautious.
Last week, California experienced a devastating atmospheric river event that caused flash flooding and hundreds of mudslides across the state. Residents were left in shock as their homes were destroyed and their neighborhoods were submerged. Firefighters were forced to evacuate seven homes in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles due to heavy debris flow. One resident remarked, “We had not even remotely had anything like this before.”
The California Department of Transportation has issued an alert stating that State Route 33 in Los Padres Forest, north of Los Angeles, will be fully closed due to the incoming storms. The route will be subject to full closures between Saturday and Wednesday as crews work to repair storm damage from last winter. A video posted by Caltrans showed a bulldozer clearing rocks from a landslide off the two-lane route.
In addition to heavy rain, the Sierra Nevada, Shasta, and Trinity mountains can expect more snow as the storms move inland. The National Weather Service predicts 1-2 feet of snow over the Sierra this weekend, with 1-3 feet likely over the Trinity and Shasta Mountains. A winter weather advisory is in place for the region around Lake Tahoe in northern California.
The impact of these storms is not limited to the physical damage caused by flooding and landslides. The homeless community in Los Angeles has been particularly vulnerable during these extreme weather events. Devastating storms have left them struggling to survive on the streets, with sodden blankets and swollen hands. Their stories of survival highlight the need for better support and resources during such emergencies.
Tragically, five Marines lost their lives when their helicopter crashed in the mountains outside San Diego during the previous storm. The Marine Corps has released their names and confirmed that all of them were in their 20s. Efforts are currently underway to recover their remains, but the rough terrain and inclement weather make the process challenging.
As Californians prepare for these upcoming storms, it is important to understand the phenomenon of an atmospheric river. These narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere can bring heavy precipitation and are often responsible for major flooding events in California. Being aware of the risks associated with atmospheric rivers can help communities better prepare and respond to these weather events.
In conclusion, California is bracing itself for back-to-back storms and the potential for flash flooding. The state, still reeling from the impacts of the previous atmospheric river event, must now face another round of heavy rain and snow. Residents are urged to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and support one another during these challenging times.
