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The atmospheric river has again hit California, bringing heavy rains and snowfall. The weather system is expected to bring more than a foot of precipitation through Monday, with some areas getting even higher amounts. The atmospheric river has already caused flooding in the state’s northern regions. Evacuations have been ordered for areas at risk of mudslides in some states.
The government has issued an emergency alert to warn people about the ongoing impact of the atmospheric river. The agency said that if the current weather conditions continue as predicted, it will bring a series of storms to California in the coming days. The National Weather Service advises residents in areas prone to flooding and mudslides to prepare for evacuation orders.
The Range
According to NSW, the wind gusts were measured at around 70 mph to 95 mph, with a peak wind gust of 105 mph recorded in South West Rocks on Monday. The storm is also causing waves as high as 15 feet in the state’s northern regions, which has prompted authorities to issue a coastal flood warning.
An atmospheric river can be wide and long, sometimes exceeding 1,000 miles. The moisture in these rivers can drop as much rainfall over a short period of time as would normally fall during an entire year. In California, the storm has already brought some of the state’s highest snowfall totals this season.
The Impact
The impact of the atmospheric river will be felt mostly in northern California, where flooding has already been reported. The mudslides and floods were made worse because of the previous drought, making the ground dry and susceptible to erosion.
Mudslides and flooding have damaged over a hundred homes, and many areas are still under mandatory evacuation. The atmospheric river will bring up to three inches of rain to parts of northern California, which may help alleviate the drought conditions in some areas. However, the storm also caused flooding and mudslides in the mountainous regions due to recent wildfires that have burned through large amounts of vegetation.
The Forecast
Another atmospheric river is forecasted to bring more rain and snow to northern California this week. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible flooding in many areas of the state.
Officials are urging residents to be prepared for the upcoming storm, which is expected to begin on Monday and last through Wednesday. The National Weather Service advised people in areas prone to flooding and mudslides to be ready for evacuation orders.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted California would see more atmospheric rivers yearly. Due to global warming, experts have predicted that there will be an increase in the frequency of atmospheric rivers in the coming years.
Precautionary Advice
The recent atmospheric river in California has caused significant flooding and damage in affected areas. It’s important to take precautionary measures to ensure your safety and minimize damage to your property.
The California Department of Water Resources has also advised people living in areas prone to flooding or mudslides to evacuate their homes if necessary. Residents are also urged to stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
If authorities issue an evacuation order for your area, follow their instructions and evacuate immediately. Consider building an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and other essential supplies.
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