Janice R. Andrews
As heavy rains swamp California, there are flood alerts for almost the whole state, resulting in road closures, orders to evacuate, and water rescues. Given that a portion of the city is expected to see its wettest February on record, there is a serious risk of flooding in Los Angeles.
Important Points:
Over 35 million people are under flood alerts: California is still drenched from heavy rain, especially in Los Angeles and the coastal regions of Southern California. The majority of California is still under flood alert through Wednesday, although certain areas of the state will see their flood watches end on Tuesday morning.
Record Rainfall in Los Angeles: If an extra three inches of rain fall this week, Downtown Los Angeles may experience the wettest February on record. Emergency personnel are ready for possible power disruptions and blocked roads as a result of the National Weather Service’s warning of heavy flooding throughout Los Angeles County.
Closed Roads and Airports: Numerous state roads are closed as a result of severe weather and flooding, and the Santa Barbara Airport’s tarmac has been forced to close.
Warnings for Evacuation Issued:There are evacuation alerts in effect for portions of Santa Barbara County and southwest Los Angeles County because of the possibility of mudslides and debris flows. If things get dangerous where they live, officials advise them to leave.
Power Outage Threat: Over 10 million Californians could lose power due to gusty winds of up to 65 mph. Across the state, the winds could bring down power lines and trees.
Sierra Nevada: Up to five feet of snow are predicted in some places by Wednesday night, according to winter weather alerts in the area.
State Combats Mudslides and Flooding:
Because of the inability of saturated soils and eroding streams to absorb the excess water, runoff floods highways and raises the possibility of mudslides. Even while it is predicted to rain less frequently, there is still a significant risk of flooding in places like Los Angeles.
Potential rock and mud slides along canyon routes as well as debris flows in recently burned regions are alerted residents. Emergency personnel are trying to stop more damage to homes after saving people who were stuck in flooded cars.
Due to swollen streams and creeks, the Bay Area is also under a flood watch through Wednesday morning. As the main storm travels eastward into the Rockies, rounds of rain are predicted to end by late Wednesday, even though the current storm is drawing on less moisture than prior ones.
