Heavy rain and flooding are projected to hit parts of the U.S. West Coast in the coming week due to an atmospheric river event moving from the Pacific Northwest down to Southern California. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation and warning residents to prepare for potential hazards.
The anticipated atmospheric river event, rated as a level four out of five, is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible landslides along the coast from Washington to Southern California. Over the weekend, Washington experienced significant rainfall, with some areas receiving one to three inches, leading to the breaking of daily rainfall records. As this moisture plume shifts southward, the heavy rain is predicted to impact California by mid-week.
The series of storms will begin with rain arriving from Washington and Oregon on Tuesday. By Wednesday, the front is forecasted to extend into Northern California, affecting regions from San Francisco to the state line. Southern California, including Los Angeles, is likely to experience the heavy rain by Thursday. Consequently, there is a heightened risk of flooding throughout California for multiple days.
The flood risk in California starts with a slight level two out of four risk on Wednesday for Sacramento to San Francisco. By Thursday, the threat expands to Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, with a marginal level one risk. These hefty rain totals may reach four to five inches in the San Francisco Bay Area and areas to the north, with two to three inches expected in just a single day. The rain is also anticipated to reach as far south as Los Angeles and San Diego.
In addition to rainfall, the atmospheric river event will also bring gusty winds. As the storm approaches the West Coast, wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected, possibly reaching 50 mph in Northern California by Wednesday. These strong winds can contribute to the disruption of normal activities and may result in downed trees and power lines.
The potential impacts from this weather event include stream and urban flooding caused by heavy downpours. Moreover, there is a possibility of numerous shallow landslides, particularly in areas prone to such events. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and heed any evacuation orders or warnings issued by local authorities. It is also important to secure loose objects outdoors and make necessary preparations for potential power outages.
As the week progresses, meteorologists will continue to monitor the atmospheric river event, providing updates and guidance to ensure the safety of residents on the U.S. West Coast.
