California weather alert for strong storms and an atmospheric river event: affected areas and how long it will last

With only a week left until the spring equinox, unfavorable weather conditions continue to affect California. The United States National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a new alert for the Golden State as a result of an incoming storm that brings heavy rain and an atmospheric river. This new weather event will impact the southern portion of the state, while the Northeast is still grappling with snow accumulation from previous storms.

“Double-Whammy! Storm-weary Californians are facing another strong Atmospheric River Event and the Northeast is bracing for a powerful Nor’easter. Widespread considerable flood threats in California. Dangerous to impossible travel in the Northeast from snow, and coastal flooding,” reads the latest NWS warning.

Alert in California for strong storms and an atmospheric river event : affected areas and how long it will last

Southern California is expected to experience light showers starting Tuesday morning, which will intensify as the day progresses. Heavy rainfall is anticipated early Wednesday morning and will persist through Thursday. Forecasters predict that this new storm will bring two to four inches of rainfall.

Areas such as San Francisco, Chico, and Monterey are likely to see excessive precipitation. The fire department and the National Guard are currently coordinating to establish a disaster response plan.

Authorities advise residents to stock up on two weeks’ worth of supplies, as several floods and landslides are expected. This is due to the nature of the atmospheric river storm, which typically results in a higher volume of rainfall compared to standard winter storms.

Storm in California: Real-time trajectory

Track the storm in California in real time:

What is an atmospheric river?

An atmospheric river is a long, narrow region in the atmosphere that transports significant amounts of water vapor. These bands of water vapor typically originate in the tropical and subtropical regions and are carried by winds to higher latitudes. Atmospheric rivers play a critical role in the global water cycle, as they are responsible for the transport of vast amounts of moisture from the tropics to other parts of the world.

When an atmospheric river makes landfall, it can result in heavy precipitation, leading to floods, landslides, and other weather-related impacts. In some cases, atmospheric rivers can be beneficial, as they can bring much-needed rainfall to drought-stricken areas. However, if the precipitation is too heavy or occurs too rapidly, it can cause significant damage and pose risks to human life and infrastructure.

Atmospheric rivers are often referred to as the “rivers in the sky” due to their role in moving water vapor across large distances. They are typically several thousand miles long and hundreds of miles wide, and can carry water vapor equivalent to the discharge of multiple large rivers, such as the Amazon or Mississippi.

As the state prepares for three days of heavy rain, Governor Newsom called on the Federal Government to issue an emergency order in the state and release additional funds

While the current alert is in effect until Thursday, experts believe it may be extended into next week, depending on the progression of the weather phenomenon.