California Braces For Another Atmospheric River, Potential Flooding
California braces for another atmospheric river that is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning, and emergency response teams are on high alert to prepare for the incoming storm.
More than 30 million people in California were under flood watches Monday that encompass much of the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Fresno and Sacramento.
The bulk of the storm is predicted to batter Northern and central California beginning late Monday and Southern California starting Tuesday.
California Snow Storm Watch: Another atmospheric river expected as flood concerns continue
COPYRIGHT_SZ: Published on https://stationzilla.com/california-braces-for-another-atmospheric-river/ by Dr. Cooney Blades on 2023-03-14T04:43:52.997Z
Weather Forecast
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the atmospheric river is expected to hit California on Tuesday and last through Wednesday.
The NWS has issued a flood warning for several counties in the state, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura.
The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, with some areas potentially seeing over 10 inches of rain.
The heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flow in burn scar areas, which could pose a threat to public safety.
It's expected that this next set of storms will dump even more snow on top of the two weeks' worth that have already fallen. Forecasters believe that melting snowpack will contribute to the persistence of flooding over the next few days.
As of Monday night, the Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service has issued a Level 4 of 4 danger of extreme rainfall along the coast from parts of Monterey County in central California southward to Santa Barbara.
The National Weather Service predicts that the rain will begin to increase in intensity late on Monday, and that it will mix with snowmelt to trigger further floods on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Large swaths of central California are expected to have "significant flooding consequences" below 5,000-foot altitudes through Tuesday, according to forecasters. Further rain and snowmelt could cause already swollen creeks and streams to exceed their banks.
“„Even though precipitation totals during this upcoming storm will be far from historic, the impacts will be probably greater than the precipitation totals would otherwise suggest.
- UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain
Previous Incidents
California has already seen significant rainfall this year, with many parts of the state experiencing record-breaking precipitation. However, despite the welcome relief from the drought, the excessive rainfall has also brought its fair share of problems, including flooding and landslides.
In January, heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides in several parts of the state, including the Central Coast and the San Francisco Bay Area. In February, a storm caused a massive sinkhole on a highway in San Francisco, leading to its closure.
After a lethal atmospheric river, which is a lengthy, narrow band of precipitation that can deliver saturated air hundreds of miles like a fire hose, we get this fresh wave of dangerous weather. It will be the eleventh winter storm to hit the West this year.
Research demonstrates that over the past two decades, as global temperatures have reached record highs, the severity of water-related disasters throughout the world has grown.
The latest storm in California has the potential to worsen floods and other devastation in certain areas. Mudslides, surging rivers, destroyed bridges, and inaccessible roads have forced inhabitants of central and northern California to seek refuge in evacuation centers.
Precautionary Measures
The state and local authorities are taking proactive measures to prepare for the incoming storm. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency declaration for several counties, and emergency response teams are on high alert.
Residents in affected areas are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather updates, prepare emergency kits, and heed any evacuation orders.
“„The situation is dynamic and evolving. Construction crews have continued working to stabilize the levee and engineers are focusing on both short and long-term fixes. The flood division is reaching out to other levee managers in the region ahead of the storm to ensure safety and stability.
- California Department of Water Resources Flood Division Manager Jeremy Arrich
Climate Change Impact
The atmospheric river is a reminder of the ongoing threat of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, that have become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
While California is taking steps to adapt to these challenges, it highlights the need for more aggressive action to address the root causes of climate change.
Final Words
As California faces yet another extreme weather event, it highlights the urgency of addressing the root causes of climate change.
While the state and local authorities take proactive measures to protect the public and ensure their safety, it serves as a reminder of the need for more aggressive action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The incoming storm also showcases the resilience of Californians and their ability to come together in times of crisis.
