(Scypre.com) – California is bracing for an unprecedented atmospheric river storm system this weekend, anticipated to unleash a series of severe weather phenomena, including potentially life-threatening floods, robust winds, significant snowfall, and towering waves. This formidable weather event is poised to impact vast regions of the state, prompting extensive preparations and warnings from local and national weather authorities.
Starting Saturday night and stretching into Tuesday, flood watches will be activated across central and southern California, signaling the gravity of the impending storm. This atmospheric river is expected to deliver rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 6 inches broadly, escalating to 6 to 12 inches in areas facing south and southwest, particularly across the foothills and mountains.
Such intense rainfall, peaking at rates of up to 1 inch per hour during the storm’s zenith, raises the specter of dangerous and life-threatening flooding scenarios, not just in rural locales but critically in urban centers as well. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has highlighted the potential for significant freeway flooding, emphasizing that even conservative rainfall projections could result in impactful flooding situations.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, addressing the situation, has advised residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on Sunday. “We’re fortunate that much of the storm will hit Sunday when many people are home anyway,” Mayor Bass remarked, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prioritizing safety. The city is ramping up its readiness, ensuring full staffing to manage any water-related emergencies and enhancing its air resources to better respond to the storm’s impacts.
The anticipated deluge brings with it the risk of extensive rockslides and mudslides, particularly in mountainous and canyon areas, potentially leading to significant travel disruptions and road closures. In response to the elevated risk of flash flooding, evacuation orders have been issued in specific regions of Santa Barbara County, with proactive door-to-door evacuations underway to ensure resident safety.
Sheriff Bill Brown of Santa Barbara County has characterized the impending storm as “one of the largest and most significant” in the county’s history, a sentiment echoed by the preemptive closure of county state beaches and the announcement of school closures on Monday across the county.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, Ventura County has also initiated evacuation orders for certain residents, reflecting widespread concern over the storm’s potential impact. The threat extends beyond floods, with forecasts predicting damaging wind gusts of 60-80 mph, particularly affecting coastal mountain areas on Sunday. Such powerful winds carry the risk of downing trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages and posing challenges to travel, especially for high-profile vehicles.
The storm’s reach also encompasses marine conditions, with a high surf advisory in effect through Monday. Waves reaching heights of up to 20 feet pose significant risks, including increased chances of ocean drownings, injuries from large breaking waves, and potential damage to small boats and coastal structures.
As the state gears up for this multifaceted weather event, winter storm warnings are also in place for the Sierra Nevada mountain range, predicting snow accumulations of 2 to 4 feet, and up to 5 to 6 feet at higher elevations, further complicating the state’s response to this atmospheric river.
The timing of the storm is critical, with rainfall expected to commence Saturday evening, intensifying overnight. By Sunday morning, heavy rain is anticipated along the California coast, extending to heavy snow in the mountains. The convergence of these conditions, particularly during high-profile events like the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, underscores the potential for significant disruptions, including flash flooding and challenging travel conditions, particularly at major transportation hubs like Los Angeles International Airport.
As Monday dawns, the focus of heavy rainfall is expected to shift towards the San Diego area, with continued risks of flash flooding and an eventual tapering of rain intensity throughout the day. This atmospheric river storm system represents a significant meteorological event for California, necessitating widespread preparedness and vigilance from both authorities and residents to mitigate its impacts.