A powerful winter storm, fueled by a robust atmospheric river, wreaked havoc in California on Sunday, unleashing intense downpours, causing widespread power outages, flooding roads, and prompting a rare hurricane-force wind warning. Approximately 94% of the state’s population, totaling up to 37 million people, faced life-threatening flood risks due to the storm’s severity, with meteorologists deeming it the season’s most potent, especially for Southern California.
The National Weather Service issued an unusual hurricane-force wind warning for the Central Coast, indicating the potential for wind gusts up to 92 mph in areas ranging from the Monterey Peninsula to the northern section of San Luis Obispo County. San Francisco experienced flooded streets, fallen trees, including one downing power lines, and a hillside landslide. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament in Monterey County was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
The storm was expected to progress southward, impacting the Los Angeles area with heavy rainfall, flash floods, and high-elevation mountain snow. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight Southern California counties, including Los Angeles and Orange.
The storm, referred to as the “Pineapple Express,” marked the second atmospheric river to hit the state within a short period. The first storm, earlier in the week, saturated the region, setting the stage for more hazardous conditions with the latest system.
Winds exceeding 60 mph battered parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, reaching gusts above 80 mph in the mountains, equivalent to Category 1 hurricane strength. Over 856,000 homes and businesses faced power outages, primarily concentrated in coastal areas.
Evacuation warnings and orders were issued for Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Monterey counties. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown emphasized the historic and significant nature of the storm, urging residents to evacuate to prevent fatalities and injuries. Classes were canceled in Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Airport closed due to flooding.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath urged residents in wildfire burn areas to evacuate, emphasizing the potential for mudslides. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria highlighted the storm’s potential to bring significant rainfall and reissued evacuation orders for flood-prone areas.
Desert communities prepared for high rainfall and snowfall, with the surrounding mountains expected to be affected earlier than the low-lying areas. Southern California schools adjusted operations due to the severe weather, with some transitioning to online classes.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center forecasted up to 8 inches of rainfall across Southern California’s coastal and valley areas, posing a considerable risk of flash floods, urban flooding, and mudslides. The slow pace of the storm increased the potential for damage, as it lingered over already saturated terrain from the previous atmospheric river-driven system.
Residents in high and low desert areas faced the prospect of heavy snow, accompanied by powerful winds leading to whiteout conditions. Ski resorts, such as Palisades Tahoe, anticipated substantial snowfall.
The storm’s lingering nature, combined with the region’s topography, heightened the risk of flooding and mudslides. Emergency measures were implemented to address the severe weather, with schools, airports, and various services affected. The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles adapted to the challenging weather conditions, holding the red-carpet walk under cover to shield attendees from the anticipated heavy rainfall.
In conclusion, California faced an imminent threat from a potent winter storm, with atmospheric rivers, hurricane-force winds, and heavy precipitation leading to widespread challenges, including power outages, flooding, and evacuations. The slow-moving nature of the storm increased the risk of severe impacts, prompting emergency measures and emphasizing the importance of preparedness in the affected regions.