“LA could see between a third and a half of the total annual precipitation in one storm alone,” observed UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, in reference to how serious the atmospheric river conditions pending in the region surrounding Southern California hang, which according to officials, has the possibility to release severe levels related to floods, wind storms, and coastal floods beginning Sunday due to warm Pacific Ocean conditions triggered by El Niño events.
The amount of rainfall predicted by meteorologists is literally many times what was expected in last week’s storm, with 5 inches in Downtown Los Angeles, 7 in Pasadena, 9 in Ojai, and 6 in Westlake. Ariel Cohen, of the National Weather Service, called this situation “potentially dangerous” and urged people to act immediately, with activities including safeguarding homes with sandbags, as well as rearranging trip itineraries and evacuation routes, especially in low-lying or burn sites.
The threat exists all the way from Santa Barbara County to the Ventura and Los Angeles area. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch and a high wind warning. Gusty winds of up to 60 mph are anticipated in the coastal and mountain areas. The impacts of the storm are not only anticipated to occur in the form of rainfall. The high surf and the large battering waves make the coastlines highly prone to flooding and erosion. The rip currents are deadly.
This winter’s storms are being fueled in part by anomalously warm ocean waters, a common characteristic of an El Niño event. It has been said that an El Niño will increase levels of the ocean, which may, combined with King Tides, contribute to a higher degree of flooding inland. Those in Long Beach’s peninsula and Alamitos Bay are being asked to be prepared for flooding due to King Tides.
However, the risk becomes even graver when the affected region is close to the burned land. “It’s like a flood on steroids,” US Geological Survey’s Jason Kean explained. Debris flows are dangerous because the burned land has the potential to repel water in the same way as a highway surface, thus only a half inch of rain is needed within an hour to generate a hazardous land flow.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom has put forward over 8,300 staff members, 19 swift water search teams, as well as two million sandbags. Fire engines, helicopters, and water pumps have also been placed in critical areas. “Residents should sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Los Angeles, as well as all evacuation orders, now at ReadySBC.org or emergency.lacity.gov, respectively.”
In regard to people with concerns about the rising threats of danger, it is recommended that one focus on what can be controlled: go bag supplies, looking out for vulnerable neighbors, and securing property for wind and water. Stay informed and avoid nonessential travel to decrease risk. In regard to staying safe during flooding danger, one experience tip from Safety for Ready Listos California recommends: “Just six inches of flooding water can knock a person off their feet, and one foot of water can sweep a car away.”
However, their coming is a threat to their potency. However, there is confidence that they can prepare for them and save lives. The people of Los Angeles were urged to remain indoors whenever possible and to call 311 for flooded roads during emergencies that are not associated with this type of disaster. The shelters and housing vouchers for homeless people have been raised, with new shelters established before the coming rains.
As climate change affects California with extreme or unpredictable winter conditions, cases of atmospheric rivers, like this one currently occurring, can soon become common experiences. The warning signs have been indicated to include conditions from abnormally dry to too much rain to handle for California. The warning now for any kind of disaster is to prepare and stay safe. Preparation is now said to be the lifeline in stormy weather.
