California Braces for 'Impressive' Atmospheric River, the First of the Season
A Powerful Storm is set to Unleash Heavy Rain and Snow on the Golden State
Get Ready for Flooding, Power Outages, and Travel Disruptions
An impressive atmospheric river, the first of the season, is taking aim at California, bringing with it the potential for heavy rain, snow, and gusty winds. The storm is expected to make landfall late Sunday night and linger through Tuesday, bringing with it significant impacts across the state.
Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that can transport vast amounts of water vapor over long distances. When they make landfall, they can unleash torrential rain and flooding. This particular atmospheric river is expected to bring widespread rainfall of 3 to 6 inches across California, with some areas seeing up to 10 inches or more.
The heavy rain could lead to flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage or that have been recently burned by wildfires. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for much of the state, including the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
In addition to the rain, the storm is also expected to bring significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Snowfall totals of 2 to 4 feet are possible at elevations above 5,000 feet, with localized amounts of up to 6 feet or more in some areas.
The snow could make travel difficult over mountain passes and lead to road closures. The California Department of Transportation is advising motorists to be prepared for delays and to carry chains or snow tires if traveling in the mountains.
The storm is also expected to bring gusty winds to California, with sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 50 mph possible. The winds could down trees and power lines, leading to power outages and travel disruptions.
Californians are being urged to prepare for the storm by securing loose objects outdoors, stocking up on food and water, and having a plan in place in case of power outages or flooding.
The storm is expected to be the first of several atmospheric rivers to hit California this winter. The state is still recovering from a series of storms that brought flooding and mudslides in January, and officials are urging residents to be prepared for additional storms in the coming months.
Here are some tips for staying safe during an atmospheric river event:
- Avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Be aware of the risk of downed trees and power lines.
- Have a plan in place in case of power outages or flooding.
- Stock up on food and water.
- Secure loose objects outdoors.
For more information on atmospheric rivers and how to prepare for them, visit the National Weather Service website: https://www.weather.gov/safety/atmospheric-river
