As California residents embark on the daunting task of cleaning up after a recent rainstorm, a more powerful and potentially life-threatening second storm is looming on the horizon.
The first storm battered Southern California with heavy rain on Thursday, resulting in flash flooding, road closures, and water rescues.
Record Rainfall Hits Southern California
Santa Barbara County recorded over 6 inches of rain, while San Diego County experienced more than 3 inches, and Los Angeles received a record-breaking 2.37 inches of rainfall.
As the storm progresses, it is now moving inland into the Rockies, where 1 to 2 feet of snow is anticipated, prompting winter storm alerts across several states.
The storm’s eastward trajectory suggests severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds could impact Texas, particularly areas including San Antonio, Austin, San Angelo, Abilene, Dallas, and Houston. This severe weather is expected later on Friday and Friday night.
The second storm is forecasted to make its appearance starting Saturday night into Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding from the San Francisco Bay area to Santa Barbara.
On Sunday, the heaviest rainfall is anticipated to move southward, concentrating from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
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Emergency Warnings for Southern California and Sierra Nevada
Authorities are issuing warnings about the imminent life-threatening flash flooding, particularly for Los Angeles, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declaring the second-highest level of flood threat for Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for parts of Santa Barbara County due to the anticipated storm’s potential to trigger flash flooding, debris flows, and landslides.
Residents are advised to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice, and those with disabilities or large animals are encouraged to evacuate promptly.
The heavy rain threat will extend to San Diego on Monday afternoon and night, followed by lighter rain continuing into Tuesday and Wednesday for Southern California.
Coastal areas in central and Southern California could experience substantial rainfall, with predictions ranging from 6 to 12 inches.
Simultaneously, the Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to witness heavy snowfall, potentially reaching 2 to 4 feet, marking one of the most significant snowfalls of the season at higher elevations.
As residents brace for the impact of this formidable second storm, emergency preparedness and vigilant monitoring of weather updates remain crucial for safeguarding lives and property.
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