California Gears Up for Intense ‘Atmospheric River’ Storms: Evacuations and Flood Warnings Issued

California Gears Up for Intense 'Atmospheric River' Storms: Evacuations and Flood Warnings Issued

Asif Iqbal | February 18, 2024 | 07:32 PM IST | Floods/Landslides/Event, World | Follow on Google News

California Gears Up for Intense ‘Atmospheric River’ Storms: Evacuations and Flood Warnings Issued…..image/Bloomberg

California Gears Up for Intense ‘Atmospheric River’ Storms: Evacuations and Flood Warnings Issued

The National Weather Service (NWS) is sounding the alarm as it predicts an impending onslaught of heavy rainfall along California’s coastline. The source of concern is a plume of moisture surging from the Pacific Ocean, set to unleash a barrage of rain starting in southern Oregon and northern California. The weather pattern is expected to intensify as it progresses down into central and southern California, with particular emphasis on the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in Southern California.

Flood Watch for Millions Along California’s Coastline

From the San Francisco area to certain parts of Los Angeles, the NWS has issued a Flood Watch covering the majority of California’s coastline. This warning affects approximately 27 million people, urging residents to brace for potential flooding and landslides. The severity of the situation is underscored by the NWS, which highlights the significance of the first storm as a primer. While it is expected to be lighter than the second storm, it will increase soil moisture and elevate river levels, setting the stage for the heavier rain anticipated on Sunday.

Evacuation Warnings in Santa Barbara County Ahead of Second Storm

As the first storm serves as a precursor, emergency management officials in Santa Barbara County are not taking any chances. Evacuation warnings have been issued in specific areas on Saturday, urging residents to prepare for the more potent second storm expected on Sunday afternoon. This proactive measure aims to mitigate potential risks and safeguard the community against the impending weather onslaught.

Extended Period of Heavy Rainfall Forecasted Until Midweek

The second, more formidable storm is poised to make landfall on Sunday afternoon and linger near the coast until early next week, heightening the probability of prolonged heavy rain across the state. The NWS has declared a flood watch for the county from Sunday afternoon until Wednesday morning, emphasizing the extended period of heightened risk. The northern section of the state is projected to bear the brunt of the storm on Sunday, with rainfall estimates ranging from 1 to 3 inches in the plains and 3 to 5 inches in higher elevations.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.