#atmosphericriver #news #flood
A powerful atmospheric river has arrived in California once again, putting residents at risk of strong winds, heavy rain, and more floods, avalanches, and mudslides on Tuesday. Some residents are still recovering from the severe storms that hit the state last week. Light rainfall began in some parts of the state before dawn, and it is expected to intensify and become more widespread throughout the morning as the storm moves onshore. The high winds pose a threat to trees and utility lines, while the widespread rain increases the danger of creeks and rivers overtopping their banks, especially in areas that were hardest hit last week. The latest storm, expected to last until Wednesday, has been dubbed a "significant atmospheric river event" by forecasters from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles. The storm is predicted to soak large areas of the state and cover mountain areas with more snow. After a historically long drought, California is experiencing one of its most brutal winters on record. Total snowpack and rainfall in many parts of the state are reaching levels not seen in decades. Months of precipitation have left hillsides soaked, lakes and rivers filled, and the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges in the state covered in snow that reaches roof-level. Therefore, each new storm like the one that arrived Monday creates a compounding situation likely to make things worse. This week's rain will fall on fully saturated ground from last week's system and earlier winter storms, exacerbating the situation.
