California is Preparing for 'life-threatening' rain storm

California is preparing for potentially dangerous flash flooding following recent heavy rain storms that caused widespread flooding across the state. Potential heavy rain and snowfall in the Santa Barbara to Los Angeles area this weekend may result in significant flooding.

Officials have issued a warning about an upcoming storm, which is being described as the largest of the season. This storm is expected to be caused by an atmospheric river effect, which involves airborne currents of dense moisture. Over 22 million individuals are currently under flood alerts.

life-threatening rain storm in californiaPhoto by10News

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a strong warning, urging individuals to take immediate action in preparation for the potentially devastating and life-threatening flooding. They are advising people to stock up on extra supplies, fuel, and sandbags.

An interesting natural occurrence involves the formation of long currents in the sky, resembling rivers on land. These currents are created when water evaporates into the air and is then carried along by the wind. Fascinating, isn't it?

This weather phenomenon is commonly referred to as the "Pineapple Express" due to its ability to transport warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from the vicinity of Hawaii.

Residents are being cautioned by experts about the potential for increased flooding and travel disruptions due to the lingering effects of the previous storm. This storm caused extensive damage, led to water rescues, and resulted in the closure of sections of the renowned Pacific Coast Highway.

According to forecasters from the National Weather Service, a storm is expected to bring a prolonged period of rainfall lasting 24 to 36 hours or possibly longer, starting Saturday evening. According to the National Weather Service, the Los Angeles River is expected to rapidly fill up, transforming into a powerful and hazardous waterway.

The region is expected to experience a combination of heavy mountain snow, damaging winds, and a significant amount of rainfall. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the rainfall could reach up to three to 10 inches (seven to 25cm), which has the potential to result in urban flooding, mudslides, and flash flooding.

A powerful storm disrupted cable car service in the San Francisco Bay area and then unleashed heavy rain on Los Angeles and San Diego. In a dramatic incident in northern California, specifically near San Jose, a massive 100ft (30m) redwood tree unexpectedly toppled onto a car, leaving a young girl trapped inside. Thankfully, the swift response of firefighters led to her successful rescue. She sustained only minor injuries.

According to a San Diego resident named Ruben Gomez, firefighters were forced to come to the rescue of his parents when their home became flooded with 6ft (2m) of water during the first storm.

In a remarkable turn of events, Los Angeles International Airport experienced a deluge of rain earlier this week, shattering a long-standing record for daily rainfall. A staggering 3.37 inches of rain fell, surpassing the previous record of 1.55 inches set back in 1960.

The Sierra Nevada has already seen a significant snowfall, with some areas reporting 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35.5 cm) of snow. However, the region is bracing for even more wintry weather as an upcoming storm is expected to bring an additional four feet of snowfall to the mountains.

In the previous year, over 20 individuals tragically lost their lives in the state due to severe atmospheric river storms. According to CBS News, the damage caused by it amounted to $4.6bn (£3.6bn), as reported by the BBC's US partner. According to the weather service, there are concerns that this year's storm could be as severe, if not more so, than previous ones.

The Source: BBC