An atmospheric river event continues directing subtropical moisture over much of California on Monday, February 19, 2024. Heavy coastal and low elevation rain, thunderstorms, heavy mountain snow and high winds are all expected from this new atmospheric river event.
California, still reeling from a historic atmospheric river that left nine people dead and hundreds of mudslides, faces a new threat from a fast-moving storm.
An intense atmospheric river event hit California on Sunday, February 4, 2024, prompting Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in eight counties due to the potential for “life-threatening” flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service warns of significant rainfall, powerful winds, and heavy snowfall continuing over the next few days.
Severe storms swept through California on Thursday, February 1, 2024, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and fallen trees. The first of two storms, part of strong atmospheric river systems, hit the San Francisco Bay Area before moving south towards Los Angeles, delivering over 100 mm (4 inches) of rain in some areas. Officials warn of a “significant threat” from an even larger storm expected over the weekend, with the potential for excessive rain, heavy snow, and strong winds across the state through Tuesday, February 7.
San Diego, California was hit by record-breaking rainfall on January 22, 2024, causing widespread flooding, major road closures, and power cuts. Emergency services conducted multiple rescues, and Mayor Todd Gloria declared a state of emergency.
Southern California is under a dangerous flood threat with heavy rainfall impacting Los Angeles and San Diego areas, and moving eastward. Flood Watch is in effect for more than 20 million people from Southern California to central Arizona.
At approximately 17:40 PST on December 19, 2023, a brief EF-1 tornado touched down in north Oroville, California, uprooting trees and damaging buildings along its path.
The National Weather Service warns of a Moderate Risk of excessive rainfall in southern California, with potential flash flooding and mudflows, as a series of storms approach the state.
As the week before Christmas approaches, California is gearing up for a possible shift in weather patterns, with indications of a wetter regime on the horizon. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alex Sosnowski notes that the extent of the storminess will hinge on El Niño’s influence and other climatic factors in the coming weeks.
An evolving storm system off the California coast, forecasted to develop into at least one atmospheric river, is set to deliver substantial rainfall and snowfall across the West Coast starting this weekend. With the Northeast Pacific Ocean as the stage, the interaction of several low-pressure systems is predicted to have significant impact, particularly from November 14 to 17, as per the Atmospheric River Reconnaissance field campaign.
