Severe Storm Predicted to Bring Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Snow to Southern California
A dangerous storm system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Southern California starting Saturday afternoon, potentially causing record amounts of rain and the risk of life-threatening flooding Sunday into Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is also predicted to bring several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada and produce powerful winds and damaging surf along the California coast.
The effects of this system will begin to be felt in California on Saturday afternoon and will last through Tuesday. The heaviest rainfall is likely south of the Bay Area, with the potential for excessive rainfall from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. The Weather Service warns of dangerous flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and places with poor drainage. There’s also a high likelihood of at least two feet of snow, causing difficult driving conditions in the Sierra Nevada.
The storm will connect to an atmospheric river, a stream of moisture in the sky that typically originates from the tropics and can be several hundred miles wide. This atmospheric river will carry abundant moisture from the tropics near Hawaii, resulting in record precipitation levels when it makes landfall.
The angle and orientation of the mountains in Southern California will play a crucial role in the amount of precipitation created by the storm. The latest system is expected to have a southwest to southerly orientation and will hit the Transverse Ranges from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles at the perfect angle to create a worst-case outcome. Higher ocean temperatures just off the coast will exacerbate the situation.
The Weather Service is urging residents to take necessary precautions and avoid driving from Sunday through Tuesday. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has mobilized emergency responders and swift water rescue teams in preparation for the storm. Santa Barbara County has issued an evacuation warning for some residents living near waterways and areas scarred by wildfires.
Historically, the atmospheric river is expected to be even stronger than the one that hit the same region earlier the same week and considerably stronger than the very weak storm that sent a torrent of water through San Diego last week. This storm is anticipated to bring “unprecedented” amounts of rain and could result in one- and two-day daily records. The Weather Service has also issued a stark warning about the potential flooding in urban areas and other places with poor drainage.
Experts are concerned about the combination of the atmospheric river, higher ocean temperatures, and the mountains’ orientation, which could bring about a very dangerous situation. While forecasters are confident that this could become a major storm, there is still some uncertainty in pinpointing exactly where the heaviest rain will fall. Rainfall totals will likely average three to six inches in most coastal and valley areas and six to 12 inches in the foothills and mountains.
As this storm approaches, meteorologists are emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution for residents in the affected areas. With the potential for severe flooding, landslides, and road closures, it’s crucial for individuals to stay informed and stay safe during this extreme weather event.
Sources:
– The New York Times
– National Weather Service
– Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office
Raymond Zhong and Emily Schmall contributed reporting.