Another atmospheric river threatens California with extreme weather

A severe storm called an “atmospheric river” is scheduled to hit Southern California on Monday, the third such extreme weather event this month.

Flash flood warnings were in effect for much of the Southern California coast from the Mexican border to Oxnard Sunday in preparation for the storm, with another band of heavy rain potentially causing flash flooding near Monterey and the Central Valley.of national weather bureau (NWS) forecast.

The southern part of the state is expected to see 3 to 5 inches of water, raising the risk of flooding and landslides in areas hit by two back-to-back storms in early February.

These two “atmospheric rivers” brought record rainfall to much of the state, nearly flooding the Los Angeles River and causing widespread stormwater damage.

“Severe” Flood risk The winds are expected to continue into Wednesday, according to the NWS, and wind advisories have also been issued for most of California, warning of wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph.

The worst of the storm is expected to pass by early Tuesday, but an uncertain forecast could bring more rain later in the day and into Wednesday.

The expected rain totals are lower than the storms earlier this month, but still pose a risk to residents, the NWS said.

“Debris flows, mudslides, landslides and rapid water rescues can occur anywhere,” the agency warned.

The National Weather Service also warned of the possibility of tornadoes near Sacramento, an unusual warning for the Golden State. Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto on Monday are within the NWS’ forecast area of ​​low tornado risk, meaning the chance of a tornado occurring is 5 to 9 percent.

The storm is also expected to bring up to 3 feet of snow in certain areas of the San Gabriel Mountains near Los Angeles, as well as up to 5 feet of snow in some areas of the Sierra Nevada.