Severe weather conditions brought by a powerful atmospheric river event have put over 12 million people at risk of flooding in California. The West Coast has been experiencing heavy rain, snow, and strong wind gusts, with the atmospheric river driving these weather patterns. The progression of this event will move from north to south over the next 48 hours, affecting various regions along the West Coast.
The Pacific Northwest is expected to be the first to experience the impacts of this atmospheric river, with the moisture moving southward into the California Central Valley, coastal regions, and the Bay Area. By Thursday, the focus will shift to southern California. The concentration of rainfall will depend on the location where the plume of moisture sets up, resulting in flood watches being issued in anticipation of its arrival.
While the storm system is expected to bring colder temperatures, the overall system is warm. This means that only the mountain tops of the Sierra Nevada will receive some snowfall, which is crucial for the currently low snowpack levels. Currently, the Sierra Nevada snowpack stands at only 52% of the average, highlighting the desperate need for more snow.
Coastal regions, on the other hand, can expect substantial rainfall ranging from 4 to up to locally 8 to 10 inches. The further south one travels, the lesser the amount of rainfall is expected. The storm system also carries strong winds, with the potential for hurricane-force gusts in higher elevations, particularly between Reno and Sacramento.
The warm nature of this storm system is evident from the record-breaking high temperatures that occurred recently. Downtown San Francisco reached a temperature of 73 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 71 degrees for that date. These warm conditions are expected to extend further across the central US, with 130 record highs and minimum record lows predicted in different parts of the country over the next few days.
While the warmth brings some of its own challenges, such as the lack of much-needed snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, it is crucial for the public to stay informed and prepared for the potential flooding that may occur due to the heavy rainfall associated with this atmospheric river event. Residents in at-risk areas are advised to heed any warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
