A rare combination of extreme weather factors California is on alert. In this context Mass evacuations ordered in the Los Angeles area before the impending arrival of a atmospheric river classified as extremely dangerous.
The starting point of this emergency was recorded during Weekend in Northern Californiawhere the first storm associated with this atmospheric pattern caused Flash floods with fatal consequences.
In the City of ReddingLocated approximately 150 miles (241 km) north of Sacramento, At least one person died after being trapped in a vehicle surrounded by water, as Mayor Mike Littau confirmed on Facebook.
The rains were so heavy that… It fell in just two days almost the equivalent of an entire month of rain.
As reported cnna fire station in Redding that just passed five inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain between Saturday and Sundaya volume sufficient to overflow streams, flood streets and force multiple water rescues.
Meanwhile, local police reported responding to “numerous calls from stranded motorists” asking people to avoid driving through flooded areas.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard report The climate scenario will become even more complex from Wednesday, December 24th.
Experts described the situation as “strong atmospheric winter storm with dangerous flooding and rock and mudslides”driven by an intense high-altitude wind jet and an extremely humid tropical air mass.
This system will cause persistent rains and at times of great intensityparticularly on south-facing slopes south of Point Conception. Meteorologists noted that these areas, along with coastal areas and adjacent valleys were classified as high risk for the possibility of dangerous and widespread flooding.
Because of the impending danger after the forest firesthe authorities of the Los Angeles County activated Alarms and evacuation orders As already mentioned, this is mandatory in various industries cnn. These measures have an impact primarily to communities near the Eaton and Palisades fireswhich took place in January.
The urgency of these evacuations lies in a dangerous geological phenomenon: After a fire, the soil loses its ability to absorb and begins to act similarly to concrete by repelling the liquid. During strong storms, the water is not filtered and instead flows down the slopes at high speed. This causes mud, stones and rubble to be carried away.
The NWS has laid this out in detail Precipitation starts lightBut will increase as the atmospheric river advanceswith two main impulses: one between Tuesday evening and Wednesday and another on Christmas Day.
Expected rainfall until Christmas:
Rain rates could reach peaks of up to 1.50 inches per hour (3.8 centimeters). in preferred sectors, a value considered sufficient to cause flash floods and debris flows, especially in scars from recent fires.
In addition to the rain, Wind will be another critical factor. The forecast anticipated Widespread gusts of 35 to 55 mph (56 to 88 km/h) throughout much of Southern California.
In certain areas such as Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as in mountains and deserts Ventura and Los Angeles countiesthey are expected outbreaks of 60 to 80 miles per hour (97 to 129 km/h) from Tuesday lunchtime to Christmas afternoon.
The NWS also warned about this Possibility of thunderstormscan generate short but heavy rain, damaging winds and in individual cases weak tornadoes or gargoylesespecially during the second pulse of the system.
The weather authorities emphasized this This event coincides with a period of high mobility for the celebrations. “This is once again a very dangerous Christmas storm”warned the NWS, which recommended Take extreme precautions for those who must travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas.
The risk includes widespread urban flooding, rapid flooding of rivers and streamsrapid water rescue and fallen trees and power lines due to the combination of saturated soils and strong winds.
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