Atmospheric River Storm Causes Concern in Southern California: What to Expect
An intense atmospheric river storm is currently impacting Southern California, bringing with it a range of severe weather conditions. Residents and authorities are on high alert as the storm's potential impact is significant, with the possibility of flooding, mudslides, and debris flows.
Impact and Warnings:
- Evacuation Warnings: Areas affected by recent wildfires, including the burn scars from the Palisades fire, Eaton fire, Hurst fire, and Sunset fire, are at high risk of debris flows. Evacuation warnings have been issued for these vulnerable zones.
- Flash Flood Watch: A flash flood watch is in effect for most of Los Angeles County from 8 p.m. on Monday until Tuesday afternoon, with the heaviest rain expected during the morning hours.
- National Weather Service: The storm is described as 'rare and very potent,' capable of causing mudslides, thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds that could down trees and power lines.
Impact in Northern and Central California:
- Snowfall: Before reaching Southern California, the storm brought the region's first significant snowfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Flight Delays: It caused delays at San Francisco Airport.
- Monterey Bay: The storm generated a fascinating phenomenon known as a waterspout over Monterey Bay, showcasing the storm's intensity.
Local Impact in Los Angeles County:
- Rainfall: The weather service predicts 0.75 to 1.5 inches of rainfall in coastal and valley areas, and a more substantial 2 to 4 inches in foothill and mountain regions.
- Temperature Drop: Regional temperatures are expected to drop significantly below normal.
- Flash Flood Warnings: Ventura County, parts of northern Santa Barbara County, and inland Orange County are under flash flood warnings, with residents in burn scars advised to prepare for debris flows.
Specific Concerns and Preparations:
- Road Conditions: The storm is anticipated to cause minor road issues and heavy traffic, with rockslides on canyon roads being a near-certainty.
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard: Due to the storm, this road was closed from 10 p.m. on Monday to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, as it is an ongoing work zone due to fire damage.
- Emergency Preparedness: City and county authorities distributed sandbags and law enforcement went door-to-door warning residents in burn scars about debris flow risks.
- Emergency Response: The Los Angeles Fire Department, in collaboration with the state Office of Emergency Services, pre-deployed specialized teams to respond to potential debris flows.
Community Alerts and Safety:
- Emergency Alerts: Leaders are urging residents to sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org and to closely monitor evacuation warnings.
- Supervisor's Warning: L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation warnings, stating that these alerts are issued to protect lives.
- Weather Service Advice: People are advised to avoid outdoor activities, refrain from driving, and park away from tall trees during the storm, and be prepared for potential power outages.
Storm's Duration and Aftermath:
- Lingering Showers: The storm's lingering showers are expected to end by Wednesday evening.
- Post-Storm Conditions: Dry and warming winds will move across the county on Wednesday night, and Southern California's typical moderate climate is forecast to return by Thursday, with pleasant temperatures in the 70s.
For more updates and information, stay tuned to local weather services and emergency management agencies.
