Southern California is currently facing significant weather challenges due to a series of atmospheric river storms. The initial storm system, which arrived earlier in the week, brought substantial rain and wind, marking an abrupt transition from the record warmth the state experienced in late January. Community members in areas expected to be heavily impacted by the storms have been proactive in their preparations, filling sandbags and clearing storm drains to mitigate potential flood damage.
A second, more potent storm is anticipated to hit the region over the weekend, with forecasters warning of potentially life-threatening floods and landslides. This storm is expected to deliver intense rainfall across a 300-mile stretch of the California coast from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara through Los Angeles to San Diego counties, from Saturday into Monday. Rainfall predictions range from 3-6 inches in coastal and valley areas, with 6-12 inches possible in the foothills and lower-elevation mountains. This could lead to significant flooding, especially since soils are already saturated and streams are running high from the previous storm.