• Unusually strong storm takes aim at California, Oregon and Washington

    An unusually strong spring storm will move into California and spread across the rest of the western states through the weekend as the region enters a period of unsettled weather with a couple of strong cyclones. Heavy rains are expected and localized flash flooding…

  • California droughts and floods linked to distinctive atmospheric waves

    In a recent study, scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) found that the persistent high-pressure ridge off the west coast of North America that blocked storms from coming onshore during the winters of 2013-14 and 2014-15 was associated…

  • Historic earthquakes discovered along San Andreas Fault

    In a new study, USGS geologist Dr. Kate Scharer and her team excavated trenches across the San Andreas Fault – near Frazier Mountain in northeastern Kern County – to investigate the timing of sand, mud, and gravel deposits that were episodically ripped…

  • Worst flooding in 100 years hits San Jose, California

    Some 14 000 residents of San Jose, a large city in California's Bay Area, are under mandatory evacuation orders with another 36 000 in the recommended evacuation area after Coyote Creek, Santa Clara County's longest, overflowed in what officials are calling…

  • Mandatory evacuations ordered in parts of California

    Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in parts of Northern California Monday, February 20, 2017, as another heavy rainmaker slammed the region. Many rivers in Northern California are at or above flood stage after a series of powerful storms hit the state in recent…

  • Massive storm slams California, breaks records

    A massive storm, one of the strongest to hit the region in a decade, smashed Southern California on Friday, February 17, 2017, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds. At least 4 people have been killed and numerous injured. The storm downed trees and power lines,…

  • Ventura fault can cause stronger shaking and more damage

    A new study suggests that the fault under Ventura, California would cause stronger shaking during an earthquake and more damage that previously suspected. The Ventura Fault, also known as Ventura-Pitas Point fault, in southern California has been the focus of a lot…

  • Major storm approaching Southern California

    Meteorologists are warning Southern California is about to get hit with what could be the biggest rainmaker in six years. Urban flooding, mudslides, strong winds and heavy snowfall are expected as two successive storms hit the region Thursday and Friday, February…

  • Oroville Lake levels dropping, repairs continue before the next storm

    Intense work to reinforce the emergency spillway of damaged Oroville Dam in California continues and the level of the reservoir continues to decrease. At current rates, it is projected to possess the capacity to absorb anticipated inflows due to forecasted inclement…

  • Bright light over California identified as Navy missile

    A bright light was seen across the sky over California early Tuesday morning, February 14, 2017, and later identified as a Navy missile test. The object appeared in the sky for at least 45 seconds. Many said it changed trajectories. The event was described as a…