Unprecedented Rainfall Alert: California on Edge as ‘Atmospheric River’ Threatens 37 Million
In a dire weather forecast, California is bracing for a potentially catastrophic event as an ‘atmospheric river’ unleashes record rainfall, high winds, and snow, putting up to 37 million people at risk of life-threatening flooding. This environmental onslaught, marked by powerful gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour, has prompted urgent warnings from meteorologists and state officials.
San Jose faces a particular threat as heavy rains in the Santa Cruz mountains pose risks to life and property, leading to the evacuation of an unhoused community along the Guadalupe River. Emergency updates from the city of San Jose emphasize the need for residents to seek refuge in local community centers.
This weather turmoil marks the second encounter with an ‘atmospheric river’ in a single week, following disruptive downpours in the Bay Area that halted cable car services. As the storm progresses, Santa Barbara County has escalated evacuation advisories to orders, urging residents to be in a “very high state of readiness.” Sheriff’s deputies and search-and-rescue teams are actively conducting door-to-door evacuations as beaches across the county close indefinitely.
Images on social media reveal the impact of the storms on San Onofre Surf Beach, where heavy rain and extreme weather caused roadway erosion, leading to the collapse of sections of the lower parking lot onto the beach below. State Parks spokesperson Gloria Sandoval emphasizes the importance of staying out of the ocean during the storms and respecting temporary closures to ensure public safety.
Forecasters anticipate dangerous flooding across the state through Tuesday, with the potential to break rainfall records. Flood watches cover extensive coastal areas, including Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as Southern California. The National Weather Service predicts a high risk of rainfall exceeding flash flood guidance, especially in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has mobilized 8,300 state workers and over twenty swift-water and urban search-and-rescue teams to respond to storm-related emergencies. This proactive approach comes in the wake of three deaths investigated by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, linked to heavy storms at the end of January.
The unusual wet conditions experienced on January 22, the wettest January day on record in San Diego, highlight the increasing impact of atmospheric rivers. A 2022 study in Scientific Reports estimates that atmospheric rivers cause more than $1.1 billion in yearly flood damage on average. The study also underscores the role of climate change, which amplifies the potency of storms, leading to more extreme precipitation and contributing to rising sea levels and erosion along California’s coasts.
As the state confronts this environmental crisis, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities. The evolving situation necessitates a collective effort to minimize risks and mitigate the potential impact of this record-breaking ‘atmospheric river.’
In a dire weather forecast, California is bracing for a potentially catastrophic event as an ‘atmospheric river’ unleashes record rainfall, high winds, and snow, putting up to 37 million people at risk of life-threatening flooding. This environmental onslaught, marked by powerful gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour, has prompted urgent warnings from meteorologists and state…