California Braces for More Rain and Floods as Residents Urged to Take Precautions
The rain-soaked state of California is preparing for another round of heavy precipitation, putting nearly the entire population under flood alerts. As officials warn of the potential for significant flooding, residents are being urged to take precautions and stay off the roads.
California is still recovering from a powerful storm earlier this month that brought record-breaking rainfall and triggered numerous mudslides in the southern parts of the state. While the upcoming storms are not expected to be as severe, some areas could see up to 5 inches of rain through midweek, with a total of 37 million people under flood watches.
The Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service has issued warnings of possible “significant flooding” and expects 2 to 5 inches of rain, with isolated areas in the Santa Lucias and Santa Ynez ranges potentially receiving up to 10 inches. The office advises people to avoid flooded roadways and prepare their properties for flooding.
In addition to flooding, there are concerns about large mud or rock slides on canyon roads and debris flows in areas recently affected by wildfires. The weather service predicts multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms, from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.
The first round of rain began across central California early Saturday evening, and the slow-moving second storm on Sunday increases the risk of significant flooding. At one point over the weekend, approximately 38 million people were under flood watches.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken the situation seriously and activated the state’s operations center. He has directed the Office of Emergency Services to preposition swift water rescue teams, personnel, and equipment in several counties to respond to emergencies promptly.
Santa Barbara County has issued evacuation warnings for three areas, and residents have been advised to prepare for potential evacuation orders. The Weather Prediction Center has also issued excessive rain outlooks for much of California and parts of Nevada, with a Level 3 of 4 risk for Sunday and Monday in Santa Barbara and a Level 2 of 4 risk for Monday and Tuesday in Los Angeles.
San Francisco, which is under a Level 2 risk through Wednesday morning, is providing some residents and businesses with 10 free sandbags to prepare for potential flooding caused by excessive runoff from moderate to heavy rain.
The National Weather Service office in Sacramento is urging residents to stay informed by receiving weather alerts. Threats on Monday include brief tornadoes, small hail, heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Higher elevations are also bracing for heavy snowfall, with a winter storm warning in effect through Wednesday morning.
The office warns that Sierra travel will be difficult, with possible road closures, chain controls, and reduced visibilities. Altitudes above 9,000 feet could receive 3 to 5 feet of snow, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
As California prepares for another round of extreme weather, residents are advised to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and be prepared for potential evacuations. With the state still recovering from previous storms, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of all Californians during this challenging weather event.
[Photo credits: Ted Soqui/SIPA USA/AP, Mario Tama/Getty Images]
