California Faces Severe Storm: 8 Feet of Snow and Life-Threatening Floods
A significant storm is currently developing in Southern California, bringing with it the potential for severe weather and dangerous conditions. The situation may escalate quickly, with life-threatening floods and heavy snowfall expected in certain areas.
California Experiences Severe Storm Conditions
The atmosphere over California is transitioning from providing necessary rainfall to posing a genuine flood risk. As considerable moisture approaches the coastline, rainfall intensity is projected to rise throughout the day.
Heavy Rainfall Projections
- Rainfall rates are expected to reach between 0.5 to 0.75 inches per hour.
- Localized areas could experience up to 1 inch of rain in an hour.
- Anything exceeding 0.30 inches per hour is categorized as “heavy” rain.
Such intense rainfall can quickly overwhelm storm drains and inundate streets. The storm primarily affects the Transverse Ranges, including major mountain chains like the San Gabriels and Santa Monicas. This geographical feature creates a phenomenon known as orographic lift.
Impact of Orographic Lift
As moist air collides with the mountains, it is forced upward, resulting in significantly heavier rainfall in those regions. Forecasts indicate that mountainous areas could receive between 3 to 5 inches of rain, while coastal regions may see 1 to 2 inches.
Increased Risk for Burn Areas
Residents near burn scars from recent wildfires, such as the Sunset or Palisades fire zones, face the highest flood risk. Burned soil tends to repel water, acting more like pavement than absorbent ground. A mere 0.5 inches of rain within an hour can trigger dangerous debris flows.
- Debris flows consist of a fast-moving mix of mud, rocks, and trees.
- These flows can travel faster than a person can run, highlighting their unpredictability.
The most intense rainfall and flash flood threat are predicted to reach the Los Angeles Metro area after 10:00 a.m. PT and persist into early Tuesday. Caution is advised for all residents in the affected regions as conditions could rapidly worsen.
