The National Weather Service has issued a concerning forecast for California and Arizona, indicating a possible return of hazardous precipitation, strong winds, and flooding by the end of next week. The forecast, issued on February 8, 2024, and updated on February 9, 2024, warns of significant weather-related risks spanning from February 17 to February 21, 2024.
Heavy rain accompanied by high winds is anticipated for California and Arizona, with heavy snowfall expected in higher elevations during the period from Saturday to Wednesday, February 17-21, 2024. This forecast poses a considerable flooding risk for much of California, particularly in regions already saturated from previous heavy precipitation earlier in February. Additionally, localized flooding is anticipated in Arizona.
The National Weather Service outlines the risk levels for hazardous precipitation during this period. California faces a high risk, with at least a 60% chance of heavy precipitation, including heavy snowfall in higher elevations, from Saturday to Tuesday, February 17-20, 2024. A broader moderate risk, ranging from 40% to 60% chance of heavy precipitation, is forecasted for California and Arizona from Saturday to Wednesday, February 17-21, 2024.