California is currently facing a barrage of extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and massive waves. The Santa Barbara airport has been forced to close due to flooding on the airfield, adding to the challenges faced by the state. This comes just days after California experienced record-breaking rainfall, with nearly the entire state now under flood alerts.
The forecast indicates that these conditions are expected to persist for at least another 24 hours, affecting a staggering 37 million Americans under various flood advisories and alerts across the state. A recent flash flood warning has been issued for areas including West Hollywood Hills and Malibu, raising concerns about potential flash flooding in the saturated regions of Los Angeles County.
California has been hit by multiple atmospheric river events in recent times, with the current system bringing more rain and snowfall to the area. The hilly terrain of the state, combined with the already saturated ground, poses a heightened risk of rock slides and landslides. An additional four to five inches of rain is forecasted for Santa Barbara to Ventura and West Los Angeles County, while significant snowfall is expected in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The severe weather system also brings the threat of gusts exceeding 60 MPH, particularly in areas highlighted in red on the map. There is a possibility of localized spin-ups or isolated tornadoes in the Central Valley, with the Storm Prediction Center identifying a slight risk of tornadoes and severe weather in the region.
These conditions underscore the severity of the situation in California, with residents urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing inclement weather.
