A powerful atmospheric river storm is on the horizon for California, with Northern California bracing for its initial impact on Monday before it sweeps through Los Angeles County on Tuesday. This weather system brings hopes of a much-needed relief from the relentless fire weather season that has plagued Southern California. As meteorologists predict, the atmospheric river will unleash its full force in Northern California, prompting a flood watch across the region and heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles County, what was initially thought to be a single storm is now set to split into two distinct systems, according to Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.
Forecast for Southern California
The peak of the atmospheric river storm is expected to hit Los Angeles County between Tuesday night and Wednesday midday. Following this, a secondary storm, a cold frontal system, is poised to arrive on Thursday, delivering a more significant impact, particularly to the L.A. County area. In the coming days, forecasters anticipate light-to-moderate rainfall across Southern California, warning of potential mudslides, road erosion, and increased water flows in creeks and ponds. There is a 5% chance of rainfall rates reaching dangerous levels over recently burned areas, which could trigger mudslides or debris flow, as highlighted by Andrew Rorke, a meteorologist at the weather service.
As the storms approach, winds are expected to intensify from the south and southwest along the coast, peaking on Tuesday afternoon and night. Gusts ranging from 10 to 20 mph are forecasted for highly populated areas in Los Angeles County, with speeds reaching 20 to 40 mph in mountainous and desert regions.
Impending Rainfall across California
Los Angeles County will experience the first wave of rainfall, with the peak timing set between Tuesday night and Wednesday noon. Rainfall estimates range from a quarter of an inch to an inch, varying across different regions. The expected rainfall rates in L.A. County are projected to be light, posing minimal threat of mudslides or debris flow. While some areas may experience enhanced rain around mountain slopes, the overall focus of the storm is anticipated to be more to the north of L.A. County.
Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties will also face moderate rainfall during the peak of the storm, with varying estimates of rainfall from seven-tenths of an inch to 1.9 inches. Northern California, on the other hand, has already been hit by an atmospheric river over the weekend, with a second round expected to start on Monday. This region is bracing for significant rainfall, with San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Cruz predicted to receive several inches of rain and heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Second Storm Outlook
Following the initial storm, a stronger system is projected to impact Los Angeles and Ventura counties, along with the Central Coast. This secondary storm will peak between Thursday night and Friday morning, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. The anticipated rainfall rates are expected to be moderate, posing a small risk of mudslides and debris flow in certain areas around the Eaton fire. Overall, this storm is likely to bring beneficial rainfall across the region without significant threats.
In terms of snowfall, the storm is expected to be relatively warm for L.A. County, with snowfall limited to the highest peaks of the mountains. However, areas like the Greater Lake Tahoe region could witness heavy snow accumulation at higher elevations. In San Diego, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, rainfall is expected to be light compared to other areas, with estimates ranging from two-fifths of an inch to seven-tenths of an inch.
As Californians prepare for the upcoming storms, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize potential risks associated with severe weather conditions. Stay tuned for further updates from local weather authorities and be mindful of changing forecasts as the storms approach.