California Bracing for Severe Storms

California is set to experience a series of atmospheric rivers, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and possible substantial snowfall over the next few days, marking the start of the rainy season.

This storm system is anticipated to deliver a significant amount of rain to Southern California in a brief period, potentially equating to several months’ worth.

On Saturday, particularly dangerous conditions are expected, peaking around the ongoing rain event.

The peak period, from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time, could see rain rates of up to an inch per hour, accompanied by the chance of thunderstorms and even weak tornadoes.

A flash flood threat level of 3 out of 4 is in effect for all of California until Sunday morning.

The primary concern is the heavy rainfall, which poses a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas that are already saturated.

Regions that have experienced recent wildfires, like the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires, are particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and debris flows. Flash flood watches are active for over 20 million residents across the state.

Burn scars from wildfires, as noted by the National Weather Service, create a water-repellent layer that hampers ground absorption, elevating the risk for flash floods and debris flows.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for locations surrounding the Palisades and other recent fire sites.

By late Saturday night, the heaviest rainfall is expected to shift eastward, moving towards southern Nevada, including Las Vegas.

Many coastal areas in California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, could accumulate between 3 to 5 inches of rain by Monday. For reference, Los Angeles typically sees slightly over 6 inches of rain from November to January, making this storm particularly noteworthy.

In San Diego, rainfall is projected to reach 2 to 3 inches through Sunday, while the region’s average from November to January is slightly above 4 inches.

If the storm unfolds as predicted, it could mark one of the wettest Novembers in Los Angeles in half a century.

The low-pressure system at higher altitudes is likely to weaken by Sunday, but Northern California will face another storm, with the potential for flash flooding continuing.

By Monday, the storm’s effects will likely taper off, with rain expected only in parts of Southern California.

As the storm progresses, two fatalities have been reported.

A tragic incident in Carmel involved a father who drowned while attempting to save his 5-year-old daughter, who was pulled overboard and remains missing.

In the Sacramento region, a delivery driver became trapped on Pleasant Grove Creek Bridge when heavy rains caused flooding, leading to his vehicle being pushed into a creek. Authorities reported that despite his emergency call, the car was completely submerged by the time help arrived, and the driver was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.

Additionally, a winter weather warning has been issued for the Sierra Nevada, where some mountain passes have already been closed due to the conditions.

Wind gusts in the Sierra Nevada can reach over 160 mph.