California’s wet season is in full effect this week as large swathes of the state’s southern coast have been subjected to briefly heavy showers and hurricane-force winds up to 92 mph. Flash floods and hundreds of landslides have ravaged the largest cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. As a result, several mandatory evacuations have been issued.
California Flooding 2024
The storm is expected to travel inland over the Southwest on Tuesday and Wednesday. Multiple sources have reported that Los Angeles alone has received more than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain, along with snow in high-elevation mountain areas. The storm is believed to have been caused by an atmospheric river.
Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands of overhead water vapor that carry the amount of water roughly equivalent to that of the Mississippi River. Atmospheric rivers are a routine phenomenon on the west coast; as many as 7 to 10 of them make landfall every year in California, according to Matthew Igel, an adjunct professor at the University of California at Davis’s Department of Land, Air and Water Resources. Though rain from atmospheric rivers can ease drought conditions and hydrate growing crops, too much precipitation also leads to flooding because many parts of California are urbanized and have inadequate drainage systems and impermeable surfaces.
The excess water has sent debris and mud rushing through populated streets. Videos circulating online show Los Angeles commuters trapped on flooded roadways by fallen trees and downed utility lines due to mudslides and fierce winds, leaving about a quarter of a million homes and businesses without power. A preliminary statement from Accuweather estimates that the atmospheric river storms have thus far claimed the lives of nine people and have caused between $9 and $11 billion in damages.
California Flood Warning
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tweet on the likelihood of rain between February 16th and February 22nd in Los Angeles. That tweet indicates that “moderate” rainfall is the most likely scenario, with a probability rating of 60% between Sunday and Tuesday. Rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas may be especially prone to water overflow from the rain. If possible, residents should avoid unnecessary travel.
California Flood Map
