California storms: Heavy rain, snow, and flood warnings

The National Weather Service in the United States has issued a major weather alert for California, warning of a severe storm expected to hit the state over the next three days. Forecasts indicate that Southern California could receive up to 15 centimeters of rain, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas.

According to Bloomberg News, this weather system is not limited to rain; it coincides with a series of powerful winter storms accompanied by strong winds, posing a real danger to residents and travelers. These alarming forecasts have prompted Los Angeles authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders for several residential areas, anticipating mudslides and landslides—a phenomenon that is common in California when heavy rain falls on saturated soil or in areas previously affected by wildfires.

Wind hazards and their impact on infrastructure

Official warnings extend across most of the state, where wind gusts are expected to reach 112 kilometers per hour. This high speed raises serious concerns about infrastructure safety, increasing the likelihood of large trees falling and power lines being downed, potentially causing power outages for thousands of homes and businesses, as well as disrupting traffic on major highways.

Heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada

Meanwhile, the extreme weather isn't limited to rain and wind; it also includes heavy snowfall in the mountains. Forecasts indicate snow accumulations of up to 8 feet (approximately 2.4 meters) in the northern parts of the Sierra Nevada range by next Friday. While this snow is a vital water source for the state during the dry season, its rapid and heavy accumulation poses a significant challenge to rescue teams and threatens to isolate some mountainous areas.

Climate context and safety measures

These storms are part of the typical winter weather patterns experienced along the western coast of the United States, which are often influenced by weather systems that bring heavy moisture from the Pacific Ocean. Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, stay away from flood-prone areas, and follow evacuation orders in threatened areas to ensure their safety until this severe weather system subsides.