By Maria Ortiz
Feb 17, 2024, 11:14 PM EST
Two winter storms, including another long-lived atmospheric river, will flood much of California starting Saturday and well into next week, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.
The state is still recovering from a particularly powerful storm that caused record rainfall and hundreds of mudslides in Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California in early February.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned: “A prolonged storm through Wednesday will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain, snow in the mountains, strong winds, flooding and possible power outages. Flood Watch in effect for parts of all 4 counties”
An extended storm through Wednesday will bring periods of mod. to heavy rain, mountain snow, strong winds, flooding 🙴 possible power outages. Flood Watch in effect for portions of all 4 counties, Sun PM-Wed AM. Prepare now! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/dXOupOIS28
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 17, 2024
Although the two storms are not forecast to be as devastating as those in early February, the repeated rounds of rain and the slow pace of the second storm will bring a significant threat of flooding.
As a result, More than 27 million people are under flood watch extending from northern California south to parts of the Los Angeles area.
Sunday through Monday is when rainfall rates They will peak at 0.5 to 1 inches per hour.
As Monday progresses, Californians can expect ltorrential rain, snow in the mountains and damaging wind gusts that will continue through most of the day before moving east toward the Rocky Mountains on Tuesday.
Also on Monday, parts of the Sierra Nevada and Northern California could see between 2 and 6 feet of snow.
At lower elevations, precipitation totals will generally range from 2 to 4 inches, but will range from 4 to 8 inches in the foothills and mountains, leading to localized flash flooding.
By Wednesday, snowfall totals in the Sierra Nevada could reach 1 to 2 feet in areas above 5,500 feet elevation, and the highest peaks could see up to 4 feet of snow.
“Mountain travel is strongly discouraged while the Warning is in effect, as potential impacts include difficult or impossible travel conditions, snow-covered roads, chain checks, reduced visibility and road closures,” warns the National Service office. of Meteorology in Sacramento.
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