A Massive Atmospheric River Event on Its Way to California this Weekend
A major storm is headed toward California this weekend, bringing with it the threat of flash flooding, mudslides, damaging winds, and heavy snowfall in the mountains. With nearly 40 million people under flood alert, including major cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego, residents are being urged to prepare for potentially unprecedented amounts of rain over a wide area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles warned, “Chances are increasing that a long period of heavy rain will develop Saturday night and continue through most of Sunday and Monday.” The storm is anticipated to be much stronger and longer-lasting compared to the previous one, with the potential to generate rainfall totals of over 120 mm in certain areas.
Rain is expected to start Saturday night along the central California coast, and repeated rounds of heavy rain are likely to bring flooding concerns. In Southern California, widespread rainfall totals of 75 to 150 mm are expected, translating to more than a month’s worth of rain. The NWS is forecasting up to 300 mm of rain in the mountains and foothills of Southern California.
The storm comes on the heels of a previous one that brought record rainfall to California and is expected to stall as it moves toward the coast, resulting in a much longer duration of rain. Coupled with concerns about the possibility of almost continuous, moderate to heavy rain lasting up to 48 hours between Sunday and Monday, there are high concerns about flooding and landslides due to the already saturated ground.
The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 of 4 risk of excessive rain for Santa Barbara and Oxnard on Sunday. The storm poses risks of not only heavy rain but also strong winds, with advisories and warnings affecting nearly 30 million people across the state.
In addition to heavy rain and wind, the storm is expected to bring significant snowfall, particularly in the Sierra region. The NWS office in Reno, Nevada, which also forecasts for parts of California, forewarned about significant impacts in the Sierra region due to heavy snow and advised residents to plan for sheltering in place until the storm passes.
The storm’s impact is also expected to be felt in eastern California, with Mono County, including notable tourist spots like Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park, anticipated to experience significant snowfall.
As California braces for this impending storm, residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize potential damage.