As an atmospheric river advances, California is preparing for significant rainfall and potential flooding, particularly in areas previously devastated by wildfires. The expected heavy downpours, accompanied by strong winds, have prompted local authorities to distribute sandbags, deploy rescue swimmers, and advise residents to have their emergency kits ready.
In Southern California, meteorologists anticipate up to 6 inches of rain in mountainous regions and around 3 inches in coastal areas, escalating concerns about debris flows and flooding. The National Weather Service warns that strong gusts could topple trees, disrupt power lines, and delay air travel.
Areas like Mandeville Canyon, which suffered from the Palisades Fire, and Trabuco Canyon, near the Airport Fire zone, are on high alert. Officials have issued evacuation warnings in response to fears of potential debris flows during the incoming storm. This atmospheric river, characterized by its long band of moisture, recently prompted the closure of all Malibu schools and the lockdown of popular attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm.
Daniel Swain, a noted climate scientist, highlighted that while the region desperately needs precipitation, a sudden influx could lead to dangerous debris flows. The loss of vegetation from fires has left the soil unstable, exacerbating risks of flooding as ash, rocks, and loose debris accumulate.
The approaching storm follows recent events in the U.S. East, where heavy snow and freezing rain impacted regions from Kentucky to Maryland, causing significant inconveniences such as power outages and travel disruptions. Little towns in Virginia experienced over a foot of snow, illustrating the extent of the storm's impact.
More than 150,000 residences in Virginia and 13,000 in North Carolina remained powerless on Thursday. Efforts by electric companies are ongoing to restore services, with Appalachian Power mobilizing over 5,700 workers to tackle outages in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee. Meteorological reports also indicated severe airport delays, with nearly 7,000 domestic flights affected and many canceled or postponed at key hubs like Ronald Reagan National Airport.
The hazardous conditions in Kentucky led to a fatal collision caused by icy roads, underscoring the severe risks posed by the storm. Virginia's state of emergency declaration followed numerous vehicle accidents, further emphasizing the need for caution.
Simultaneously, in the northwest, states such as Oregon and Washington are bracing for their own mix of snow and ice. In Portland, the government has sprayed anti-icer and set up emergency shelters for residents rendered vulnerable by impending weather conditions. The National Weather Service predicts wind chills could plummet to 10 degrees in Portland, intensifying the cold snap.
In Idaho, a cold weather advisory is in place as temperatures are expected to drop to extreme lows, posing additional challenges. The timing coincides with Valentine's Day, potentially disrupting floral and gift deliveries, though business owners remain optimistic. As adverse conditions loom, the resilience and proactive measures by states underscore their readiness to face the effects of climate patterns.