Dangerous weather conditions are set to wreak havoc across almost the entire state of California over the next few days.
The state is facing a second onslaught of atmospheric rivers, intensifying the already life-threatening flooding situation in Southern California.
Historic Storm Ravages Southern California
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
This declaration empowers the California National Guard to respond if necessary, facilitates unemployment benefits for affected residents, and streamlines the process for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage.
This storm system is predicted to be one of the most significant in state history, posing threats of flash flooding from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles, heavy snowfall in the mountains, and hurricane-force winds off the coast.
The National Weather Service warns of widespread power outages, roadway flooding, mudslides, and the potential for numerous swift-water rescues.
A flood watch has been issued for a vast region encompassing Redding to Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, affecting approximately 40 million people.
Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties face a high risk of excessive rainfall, indicating a 70% chance of life-threatening flash floods.
Santa Barbara, already grappling with the aftermath of the previous system, has received an extraordinary 300% of its normal rainfall in the last seven days. The saturated ground increases the risk of rapid flash flooding, prompting evacuation orders in the region.
Rainfall predictions for Santa Barbara range from 3 to 6 inches in coastal and valley areas, escalating to 6 inches to a foot in foothills and mountains. Additionally, an extremely rare hurricane-force wind warning has been issued off the coast, with gusts potentially reaching 90 mph.
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Critical Storms Create Statewide Emergency
The storm’s impact extends beyond rainfall and winds, as there is a possibility of brief tornadoes and waterspouts from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles. A high surf advisory is in effect, anticipating waves of 20 to 25 feet in the Bay Area and up to 35 feet near Big Sur.
As the storm intensifies, a winter storm warning has been issued for the mountains outside Los Angeles, projecting heavy snowfall and winds up to 85 mph. Lake Tahoe, along the Sierra Nevada range, could see up to 3 feet of snow, with higher elevations expecting 2 to 4 feet.
The timeline of the storm indicates heavy rain spreading from the Bay Area to Los Angeles on Sunday, with San Diego facing the heaviest rain by Monday morning. The flood threat is expected to persist until Tuesday, affecting roadways and causing rising water levels in streams and rivers.
With flash floods, snowstorms, and hurricane-force winds converging, California residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow emergency guidelines to ensure their safety during this unprecedented weather event.
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