Flooding and Heavy Mountain Snow Expected in California
A new round of severe weather is approaching California, bringing with it heavy rainfall and the threat of flooding. Central California, particularly the Bay Area down to Southern California, will experience another bout of torrential downpours, following the record-breaking rainfall that struck the region just a few days ago.
Los Angeles alone received a staggering 2.49 inches of rain in a single day, nearly the entire month's average rainfall. Furthermore, the total rainfall for the month of February is projected to reach around three inches, highlighting the significance of this weather event. The upcoming system, known as an atmospheric river, is expected to deliver substantial rain from the Bay Area to Santa Barbara and eventually reach Los Angeles, albeit at a gradual pace.
In addition to heavy rainfall, strong gusty winds are predicted along the Central Coast, with gusts ranging from 50 to 70 miles per hour. These powerful winds have the potential to topple trees and bring down power lines, posing a serious threat to areas already saturated by recent rainfall.
The storm is anticipated to first hit San Francisco, followed by snowfall in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As it progresses, it will move toward Santa Barbara and onward to Los Angeles, reaching the city by Sunday morning. The duration of the storm and how long the heavy band of rain lingers over Southern California remains uncertain. If the storm stalls, prolonged rainfall could lead to a significant flood event throughout Southern California, including San Francisco.
Coastal regions, from Monterey to Pismo Beach, may experience about a dozen inches of rainfall, while the mountains could receive even more. This substantial amount of water will inevitably flow downhill, potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions and the risk of mudslides.
It is important to note that although California currently has only 53% of its average snowpack in the Sierra, the upcoming snowfall is welcomed. However, the concern lies in the heavy rain that is likely to cause rapid run-off, exacerbating the risk of mudslides and further flooding.
Ultimately, the severity of the storm and its impact will largely depend on its path and whether it stalls over California. Forecasters are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to stay informed and prepared for potential hazards.
