Up to 37 million people in California are facing a potentially dangerous situation as a powerful storm brings heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. Forecasters have issued warnings of potentially life-threatening flooding as an “atmospheric river” sweeps across the state. The storm is expected to down trees and power lines, causing widespread damage.
Evacuations and Power Outages
The National Weather Service Bay Area has alerted residents to expect “widespread” tree and power line damage in Monterey County, along with impassable roads and power outages. Gusts of wind could reach speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. In San Jose, a community living along the Guadalupe River has been ordered to evacuate to local community centers due to the expected swelling of the river caused by heavy rainfall in the Santa Cruz mountains. This situation poses significant risks to both life and property.
Repeated Threats
This storm marks the second time this week that California has faced the impact of an atmospheric river. These plumes of moisture travel across the Pacific Ocean, bringing torrential downpours and disrupting daily life. Earlier this week, the Bay Area experienced heavy rainfall, causing cable car services to come to a halt. The storm then moved on to Los Angeles and San Diego.
Santa Barbara County on High Alert
Officials in Santa Barbara County have escalated evacuation advisories to orders, urging residents to be in a “very high state of readiness.” Sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue teams are conducting evacuation notifications and closing beaches indefinitely. California State Parks spokesperson Gloria Sandoval has emphasized the importance of respecting temporary closures and staying out of the ocean during the storms.
Expected Rainfall and Flood Risks
Forecasters have warned of possible dangerous flooding across the state until Tuesday, with an estimated 6-12 inches of rain. In some areas, these estimates could break records for both daily and monthly precipitation. Flood watches have been issued along the coast in Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Southern California’s coast. The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has identified a high risk of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance in various parts of the state.
Preparedness Measures
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has announced that over 8,300 state workers are ready to respond to storm-related emergencies and damages. More than twenty teams of swift-water and urban search-and-rescue personnel are stationed across the state. These measures aim to minimize the potential risks and ensure public safety.
Climate Change and Impacts
The increasing intensity and frequency of such storms are attributed to climate change. A warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, leading to more extreme precipitation. Rising sea levels due to global warming contribute to bigger waves and accelerated erosion along the coastline. This further complicates California’s battle against rising tides.
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(Source: NBC News)