LOS ANGELES (AP) — An unusually strong storm system known as an atmospheric river has been dousing Southern California, prompting flood warnings, particularly in areas of coastal Los Angeles County recently ravaged by wildfire. Heavy rainfall has reached rates of up to one inch per hour in coastal regions prone to flash flooding. Just yesterday, over four inches of rain was recorded in Santa Barbara County, leading the National Weather Service to advise residents to stay indoors due to high winds.
This long plume of tropical moisture, originating from the Pacific Ocean, has been affecting the region since Wednesday, producing widespread rain over Southern California. The Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to receive over a foot of snow from this system. Flood warnings stretch from the Ventura County coast through Malibu and into Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the danger of debris flows, issuing Evacuation Warnings for areas surrounding recent burn scars where evacuation orders were enacted for high-risk properties. Residents in listed vulnerable zones are being urged by law enforcement to evacuate for their safety.
This long plume of tropical moisture, originating from the Pacific Ocean, has been affecting the region since Wednesday, producing widespread rain over Southern California. The Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to receive over a foot of snow from this system. Flood warnings stretch from the Ventura County coast through Malibu and into Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the danger of debris flows, issuing Evacuation Warnings for areas surrounding recent burn scars where evacuation orders were enacted for high-risk properties. Residents in listed vulnerable zones are being urged by law enforcement to evacuate for their safety.
