Southern California Braces for Flash Floods as Atmospheric River Storm System Hits
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- An intense atmospheric river storm system is causing heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings across Southern California, particularly in coastal areas of Los Angeles County that were recently affected by wildfires. The National Weather Service reports rainfall rates of up to an inch per hour in these vulnerable regions.
On Friday, the storm brought more than four inches of rain to coastal Santa Barbara County, with strong winds prompting the National Weather Service to urge residents to stay indoors. The atmospheric river, a long plume of tropical moisture over the Pacific Ocean, started its journey in the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday, bringing widespread rain to Southern California on Friday and Saturday.
The storm's impact extends beyond rain, with over a foot of snow predicted for parts of the Sierra Nevada. Flood warnings are in effect from Ventura County to Malibu and into the City of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a warning about potential debris flows, emphasizing the ongoing Evacuation Warnings and Orders in recent burn scar areas and vulnerable properties.
Evacuation orders, which are mandatory, were issued for specific high-risk properties in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas from Friday evening to Sunday morning. Law enforcement will be actively urging residents to leave these areas.
This extreme weather event highlights the ongoing challenges of managing natural disasters in California, especially in areas prone to both wildfires and flash floods.
