California Braces for Life-Threatening Flooding and Power Outages as Intense Atmospheric River Hits
An intense atmospheric river is currently moving across California, bringing with it the potential for life-threatening flooding, power outages, and other dangerous conditions. As heavy rain and snow continue to fall, the state is on high alert and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its residents.
Rare high flood risk persists
Southern California, including Los Angeles, is expected to be hit the hardest by this storm. The National Weather Service office in San Diego has warned of torrential rainfall and “locally catastrophic” flooding in Orange County, California. The risk of flooding remains high throughout Monday, and the situation may worsen on Tuesday.
Power outages remain a concern
Strong winds and rain have already caused power outages for over 600,000 customers in California, particularly along the coast. Santa Clara experienced winds of up to 98 mph, while the San Francisco International Airport reported winds near 60 mph. These outages may persist as the storm continues.
Los Angeles faces excessive rainfall
Central and Southern California are expected to receive widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, which is more than a month’s worth of rain for most areas. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a rare high risk of excessive rainfall, Level 4 out of 4, for over 14 million people across Southern California. This includes downtown Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Long Beach.
Life-threatening landslides and flash flooding expected
The Hollywood Hills area and the Santa Monica Mountains are facing an extremely dangerous situation. The weather service has reported numerous damaging landslides, flooded roadways, submerged vehicles, and flooded creeks and streams in these areas. Residents in Santa Barbara, San José, Los Angeles, and Ventura County have already been placed under evacuation orders due to the potential for life-threatening floods and landslides.
Storm hinders travel and disrupts schools
Significant snowfall is expected in eastern California and along Nevada’s border, leading to dangerous travel conditions. The Sierra Nevada region will experience heavy and wet snow, making travel above 5000-6000 feet nearly impossible. In response to the severe weather, several school districts in Santa Barbara County have canceled classes, while others have switched to remote learning.
Atmospheric river continues its impact
This current atmospheric river follows another recent storm that brought record rainfall to California. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for several counties in preparation for the storm’s effects. The storm is slower than previous ones and is expected to stall as it moves onshore, resulting in a longer duration of rain. The worst impacts and heightened flood risk are expected to continue through Tuesday.
Officials urge residents to stay safe
Officials in Los Angeles have issued warnings for residents to stay off the roads and remain at home if possible. Flash flood emergency alerts were sent to phones, emphasizing the dangerous and life-threatening situation. Interstate 5 in San Fernando County was flooded, and a flash flood warning covers nearly 4 million people in western and central Los Angeles County.
Other affected areas
San Diego is also preparing for significant rainfall, with potential evacuation warnings in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Ventura County has already experienced flooded roads, submerged vehicles, and rock and mudslides. The Hollywood Hills area and Santa Monica Mountains continue to face the risk of life-threatening landslides and flash flooding.
Conclusion
As California braces for this intense atmospheric river, residents are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the changing weather conditions. The state is working diligently to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety of its residents. It is crucial for individuals to follow evacuation orders, stay off the roads if possible, and prioritize their safety during this challenging time.
