‘Atmospheric river’ drenches drought-stricken California
3 years, 1 month ago

‘Atmospheric river’ drenches drought-stricken California

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — A powerful atmospheric river storm that swept through California set rainfall records and helped douse wildfires. The National Weather Service called preliminary rainfall totals from the storm “staggering.” Four inches fell Sunday in downtown San Francisco, making it the fourth-wettest day on record for the city. “It’s been a memorable past 24 hours for the Bay Area as the long talked-about atmospheric river rolled through the region,” the local weather office said Monday. “California still needs more precipitation, and it really needs it in high elevations and spread out over a longer time so it’s not hazardous.” Christy Brigham, chief of resource management and science at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, said the rain was a big relief after the KNP Complex fire torched an unknown number of the giant trees in the park, along with thousands of pines and cedars. “To end different aspects of the drought, you are going to need a situation where parts of California get precipitation over the next three months that’s about 200% of normal,” he said, adding that “despite this really, really insane rainfall, the winter is probably going to be drier than average.” ___ Associated Press writers Janie Har in San Francisco, Christopher Weber and John Antczak in Los Angeles and Brian Melley in Three Rivers contributed to this report.

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History of this topic

Northern California gets record rain and heavy snow
1 month ago

Northern California gets record rain and heavy snow

Associated Press  

HEALDSBURG, Calif. — Heavy downpours fell over much of Northern California on Friday, causing small landslides, overflowing a river and flooding some streets, including in parts of San Francisco. The storm arrived in the Pacific Northwest earlier this week, killing two people and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, mostly in the Seattle area, before moving through Northern California, …

Incredible before-and-after images of reservoirs are proof of California’s winter deluges
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Incredible before-and-after images of reservoirs are proof of California’s winter deluges

LA Times  

After another wet winter, record rainfall has turned California green and replenished the state’s reservoirs, which had been perilously low during the worst days of the drought. In December 2022, Lake Oroville was experiencing low-water levels, including at its Bidwell Canyon Marina near the Bidwell Bar Bridge. It’s not just the big reservoirs that have filled up: Big Bear Lake …

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible
8 months ago

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible

LA Times  

For years, scientists have said that atmospheric rivers can either make or break the water supplies of thirsty California cities and farms. The research provides the most historical context to date for the state’s rainfall variability, and found that the region “consistently registered extreme precipitation over a 3,200-year period.” Biola University students take turns using a rope from a footbridge …

Another storm is coming to Southern California early next week. How big will it be?
10 months ago

Another storm is coming to Southern California early next week. How big will it be?

LA Times  

Sam Hale of Garden Grove looks for driftwood he can use in landscaping projects Wednesday in a debris field left by the rain-swollen Santa Ana River in Huntington Beach. Southern Californians can brace for another round of wet weather, with a storm expected to hit the region early next week to cap off a month of historically wet weather. “This …

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?
10 months ago

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — After a dry start to winter, California’s rainy season is finally well under way. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print WHAT ABOUT SNOW? A man shovels snow off his car in the Cleveland National Forest, on Feb. 7, 2024, in eastern San …

Some rain, snow still on tap for SoCal, but worst of deadly winter storm has passed
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Some rain, snow still on tap for SoCal, but worst of deadly winter storm has passed

LA Times  

Saeed Fardin, part owner of Superhero Toys n More, clears the sidewalk as a shipment of goods is delivered during a snowstorm in Big Bear. In the Los Angeles area, the next storm could bring another half-inch of rain Wednesday night to the metro area and up to an inch in the foothills and mountains, said Mike Wofford, a National …

Why California Isn’t Built To Handle This Kind Of Storm
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Why California Isn’t Built To Handle This Kind Of Storm

Huff Post  

A person walks in the rain as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, impacts California on Sunday in Santa Barbara, California. Mario Tama via Getty Images A rare weather event that brought catastrophic flooding and wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour to California has already incapacitated much of the state — including …

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms
10 months, 3 weeks ago

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LOS ANGELES — Heavy rain flooded California roadways and much-needed snow piled up in the mountains as the first of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pummeled the state Thursday. An atmospheric river, which is a long band of moisture that forms over the Pacific, was fueling the storms dousing the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, said National Weather …

Atmospheric river inundates roads, forces water rescues across SoCal. The next storm looks worse
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Atmospheric river inundates roads, forces water rescues across SoCal. The next storm looks worse

LA Times  

A car is submerged in the 2300 block of West Willow Street in Long Beach on Thursday morning. Heavy rain from a major atmospheric river storm moved across Southern California on Thursday, causing significant flooding and road closures — as well as several water rescues. That storm started battering the Southland on Thursday morning, with heavy downpours causing widespread flooding …

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
10 months, 3 weeks ago

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds. The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for …

Dramatic before-and-after images show how much water California reservoirs have accumulated
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Dramatic before-and-after images show how much water California reservoirs have accumulated

LA Times  

Enterprise Bridge at Lake Oroville in Butte County, Calif. On Dec. 14, the water storage was 2,324,550 acre-feet, 66% of total capacity. After last year’s historically wet winter, many of California’s largest water stores were at or near capacity during the summer months of 2023. The images below from the California Department of Water Resources show Lake Oroville at the …

California’s epic rain year boosted groundwater levels, but not enough to recoup losses
1 year, 2 months ago

California’s epic rain year boosted groundwater levels, but not enough to recoup losses

LA Times  

California’s extraordinarily wet year brought the state vast quantities of water that have soaked into the ground and given a substantial boost to the state’s groundwater supplies, but not nearly enough to reverse long-term losses from over-pumping in many areas, according to a new state report. Groundwater levels, while recovering, are still lower than the period after the 2012-2016 drought.” …

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges
1 year, 2 months ago

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges

LA Times  

The typically parched, brown hills above Los Angeles are a vibrant shade of green — a rarity for early October. There’s a lot of work to continue to be done — particularly when it comes to flooding and protecting our communities.” This year’s soggy conditions were due primarily to 31 atmospheric river storms that unleashed torrents on the Golden State …

Editorial: Drought and flood, California’s double whammy
1 year, 8 months ago

Editorial: Drought and flood, California’s double whammy

LA Times  

Just as federal officials were laying out alternative scenarios last week for steep water supply cuts from the Colorado River due to the drying Southwest, California officials were warning that this year’s historic Sierra snowpack could flood much of the state later this year. Lake Mead, and farther up the Colorado River, Lake Powell — Southern California’s two big out-of-state …

Volcano? Climate change? Bad luck? Why California was hit with 31 atmospheric river storms
1 year, 8 months ago

Volcano? Climate change? Bad luck? Why California was hit with 31 atmospheric river storms

LA Times  

As winter approached, few anticipated what was about to hit California. It could be random bad luck.” Many of winter’s atmospheric river storms came farther south, moved slowly after making landfall and came later in the season than in prior years — creating more disruption, said Chad Hecht, a research and operations meteorologist at the Center for Western Weather and …

Before and After: California storms fill parched reservoirs, end 3-year drought | In pics
1 year, 8 months ago

Before and After: California storms fill parched reservoirs, end 3-year drought | In pics

India Today  

As many as 12 of California’s 17 major reservoirs are filled above their historical averages for the start of spring. Houseboats rest in a channel at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area in Butte County and Houseboats float at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area on Sunday, March 26, 2023 Major reservoirs are filled above their historical averages for the start of …

Heavy rains in California leave swimming pool dangling partway off cliff edge
1 year, 9 months ago

Heavy rains in California leave swimming pool dangling partway off cliff edge

India Today  

As heavy rains soaked into already sodden ground in California, mudslides in the beachfront community of San Clemente forced evacuations of blufftop homes this week and in one case left a swimming pool dangling partway off the cliff edge. The West Coast is getting pounded by an usually wet season following two decades of drought, creating havoc on roads and …

Drone photos show dramatic rise in California reservoirs after record-setting rain, snow
1 year, 9 months ago

Drone photos show dramatic rise in California reservoirs after record-setting rain, snow

LA Times  

Winter storms across California have significantly improved drought conditions and filled state reservoirs that had held less than a third of their capacity. Lake Oroville’s water level rose steadily with each storm passing California this winter. A November 2022 image shows low water conditions surrounding Granite Bay Main Beach at Folsom Lake in Placer County, when the reservoir storage was …

Flooded California sees evacuations, power outages, road closures, New York buried under snow
1 year, 9 months ago

Flooded California sees evacuations, power outages, road closures, New York buried under snow

India Today  

An atmospheric river dumped more torrential rain on California on Wednesday, forcing evacuations, power outages and road closures, while the remnants of a powerful Nor'easter blizzard buried much of upstate New York and New England under snow. The West Coast is getting pounded by a usually wet season following two decades of drought, creating havoc on roads and endangering blufftop …

California deals with surging rivers, sliding rocks and flooded towns as storm passes
1 year, 9 months ago

California deals with surging rivers, sliding rocks and flooded towns as storm passes

LA Times  

Herbeto Estrada rescues his two birds from his home along Salinas Road in Pajaro, Calif., on Tuesday. The increased flow from the spillway is adding more water to the river and tributaries below, both of which are already full from the last storm, Monteiro said, adding that there is “flood concern.” An orchard worker clears storm drains on a Porterville …

Another atmospheric river storm to hit soaked California, raising fears of more floods
1 year, 9 months ago

Another atmospheric river storm to hit soaked California, raising fears of more floods

LA Times  

Floodwaters cover the Pajaro Valley on Sunday after stormwaters from a heavy atmospheric river broke through a levee along the Pajaro River, inundating homes and businesses. It will create “considerable flooding impacts below 5,000 feet elevation across much of the California Coast and Central Valley and over the southern Sierra Nevada foothills,” the National Weather Service said. “We just got …

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow
1 year, 9 months ago

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow

Associated Press  

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — More than 9,000 California residents were under evacuation orders Friday as a new atmospheric river brought heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, swelling rivers and creeks and flooding several major highways and small rural communities. “Hopefully no one has a medical emergency.” Wingfield said her neighbors’ water infrastructure was also washed out, but that her family’s …

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow
1 year, 9 months ago

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow

India Today  

More than 9,000 California residents were under evacuation orders Friday as a new atmospheric river brought heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, swelling rivers and creeks and flooding several major highways and small rural communities. READ | Gigantic winter storm across northern US to produce brutal cold, blizzards Wingfield said living near Soquel Creek has meant being aware there might …

California lowering dam water levels, warns of flood threat as storm hits
1 year, 9 months ago

California lowering dam water levels, warns of flood threat as storm hits

LA Times  

Workers release water from the Santa Anita Dam after a series of January storms. Anne Lynch, integrated water management lead with the consulting firm GHD, said it’s good news that the state’s reservoirs are being actively managed for flood control, especially in areas that saw flooding previously. “It’s a complicated thing.” Some areas that flooded during the previous storms, such …

California braces for flooding, snowmelt from a warm atmospheric river set to slam state
1 year, 9 months ago

California braces for flooding, snowmelt from a warm atmospheric river set to slam state

LA Times  

Clouds hover behind the downtown Los Angeles skyline late last month after a powerful winter storm caused flooding and power outages in some areas. Another atmospheric river system has set its sights on California, raising considerable concern about flooding and structural damage as warm rain is expected to fall atop the state’s near-record snowpack this week, forecasters say. “It now …

California drought levels recede in the face of winter storms
1 year, 9 months ago

California drought levels recede in the face of winter storms

Al Jazeera  

About half of the state has been lifted out of drought conditions by a series of storms that have drenched the region. California has seen drought levels recede after a series of winter storms pummeled the western United States with snow and rainfall, a boon to a state where extreme drought and water access have been a persistent concern. As …

Yet more rain expected to hit California in March. Warmer storms could cause problems
1 year, 9 months ago

Yet more rain expected to hit California in March. Warmer storms could cause problems

LA Times  

Soggy, snow-capped California faces the likelihood of yet another month of wet weather, but what remains uncertain is whether this late winter precipitation will augment weeks of record-setting snowpack, or cause it to vanish should warmer rains arrive. California Photos: Two atmospheric river storms descend on California California’s deadly storm season continued Friday as the first of two atmospheric river …

Before and after photos from space show storms’ effect on California reservoirs
1 year, 9 months ago

Before and after photos from space show storms’ effect on California reservoirs

LA Times  

Bidwell Bar Bridge at Lake Oroville on Feb. 8. After a series of atmospheric-river storms hit California in December and January, the state’s two largest reservoirs are looking a lot fuller than they did a few months ago. And data updated Monday from the California Department of Water Resources’ tracker show the reservoir climbing to 60%, still below historical levels …

Photos show Lake Oroville's rise after epic storms
1 year, 10 months ago

Photos show Lake Oroville's rise after epic storms

LA Times  

Lake Oroville, a key component of California’s water supply, looks noticeably fuller after a series of January storms. Shocking images that year illustrated the worsening drought conditions, including exposed portions of Oroville’s lakebed and a distinct “bathtub ring” indicating just how far the water had receded. Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources Manager for the Department of Water Resources, said in a …

California sees extensive storm damage as weather calms
1 year, 11 months ago

California sees extensive storm damage as weather calms

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Key roadways remained closed and officials estimated thousand of homes were seriously damaged in California as weeks of wild weather that flooded roadways, collapsed hillsides and toppled countless trees finally became calm Tuesday. “Some roads are completely washed away.” There is no estimated reopening date for State Route 154, a key north-south artery in the county that …

Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow
1 year, 11 months ago

Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

California braces for more storms. When will they hit and how bad will they be?
1 year, 11 months ago

California braces for more storms. When will they hit and how bad will they be?

LA Times  

Workers with Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services clear debris from a mudslide above Nichols Canyon Road caused by the recent rains. The Salinas River at the town of Spreckels rose above flood stage — 23 feet — at 7 p.m. Thursday, and was expected to peak at 26.2 feet by midday Friday, remaining in flood stage through early Sunday, …

California storms ‘significantly reduced’ drought intensity, yet still more rain is needed
1 year, 11 months ago

California storms ‘significantly reduced’ drought intensity, yet still more rain is needed

CNN  

CNN — For three years, California has been in desperate need of rain. But the past several weeks of rain and snow have “significantly reduced” the state’s drought intensity, according the US Drought Monitor’s latest report. “But from a reservoir standpoint, we’d rather have it than not have it.” The recent storms have been replenishing the state’s water supply, according …

‘Endless stream’ of new storms hits California again this week. What to expect
1 year, 11 months ago

‘Endless stream’ of new storms hits California again this week. What to expect

LA Times  

Nick Enero wades through floodwaters Tuesday while helping his brother salvage items from his Merced home as storms continue to hammer California. “The endless stream of atmospheric river events will refocus on Wednesday across Northern California,” the National Weather Service said. “Scattered instances of flash flooding will be possible.” After a dramatic Tuesday that brought rockfalls and landslides across California, …

California braces for more rain, storms, potential floods
1 year, 11 months ago

California braces for more rain, storms, potential floods

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — California braced for more stormy weather with rain starting to sweep into the northern part the state and the San Francisco Bay area on Saturday, preceding a series of powerful incoming Pacific storms and raising the potential for road flooding, rising rivers and mudslides on soils already saturated after days of rain. The National Weather Service warned …

Most of California could experience significant flooding this week
1 year, 11 months ago

Most of California could experience significant flooding this week

CNN  

CNN — Significant widespread flooding is possible across much of California on Monday as more heavy rain hits the state, forecasters say. “The longevity and intensity of rain, combined with the cumulative effect of successive heavy rain events dating back to the end of December, will lead to widespread and potentially significant flood impacts,” the Weather Prediction Center said Sunday …

Two more rainstorms bring new dangers to California as officials tally widespread damage
1 year, 11 months ago

Two more rainstorms bring new dangers to California as officials tally widespread damage

LA Times  

A pedestrian and dog are reflected in puddles on a walkway along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. “We’re ready for round three — just rehabbing our equipment, rehabbing our folks.” Heavy rain and mountain snow was expected to begin late Friday night in Northern California, spreading to Central California on Saturday. She said it’s been odd to look at …

Timeline: When will California storms hit hardest and how long will they last?
1 year, 11 months ago

Timeline: When will California storms hit hardest and how long will they last?

LA Times  

Traffic stacks up on the rain-slicked 405 Freeway in Long Beach during rush hour on Tuesday. Beyond: “As we get into Sunday and early next week, there’s still potential for some wet events, just not as strong as what we’re expecting Wednesday and Thursday,” said Eric Boldt, a National Weather Service meteorologist. “We’ll continue to see rainfall going into next …

Massive ‘atmospheric river’ to bring heavy rains, winds, flooding across California
1 year, 11 months ago

Massive ‘atmospheric river’ to bring heavy rains, winds, flooding across California

LA Times  

A car sits in a flooded street in Pleasant Hill on Saturday. The National Weather Service is warning of “widespread flooding” and strong winds across the state Wednesday and Thursday, with the most dangerous conditions expected in Northern California — a region that has already seen significant flooding and power outages this week. “It’s going to be a very impressive …

How atmospheric rivers and a bomb cyclone add up to mayhem for California
1 year, 11 months ago

How atmospheric rivers and a bomb cyclone add up to mayhem for California

LA Times  

An atmospheric river will arrive in California starting Wednesday and linger through Thursday. Monumental weather conditions are hitting California this week, with heavy rain, strong winds, snow and choppy surf thanks to a set of weather events known as a “bomb cyclone” and a series of atmospheric rivers. “The atmospheric river event is able to tap into the moisture over …

A third atmospheric river storm is set to add to misery in California's flooded areas
1 year, 11 months ago

A third atmospheric river storm is set to add to misery in California's flooded areas

NPR  

A third atmospheric river storm is set to add to misery in California's flooded areas Enlarge this image toggle caption Nic Coury/AP Nic Coury/AP Forecasters in Northern California have a sobering new-year message for people who are reeling from floods and mudslides: the situation could get worse before it gets better. Sponsor Message It's the third atmospheric river to hit …

‘Atmospheric river’ dumps heavy rain, snow across California
1 year, 11 months ago

‘Atmospheric river’ dumps heavy rain, snow across California

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A powerful storm brought drenching rain or heavy snowfall to much of California on Saturday, snarling traffic and closing highways as the state prepared to usher in a new year. The California Highway Patrol said a section of U.S. 101 — one of the state’s main traffic arteries — was closed indefinitely south of San Francisco because …

'Atmospheric river' dumps heavy rain, snow across California
1 year, 11 months ago

'Atmospheric river' dumps heavy rain, snow across California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Weather service meteorologist Courtney Carpenter said the storm could …

A major California reservoir has hit its peak for the year at just over half full
2 years, 6 months ago

A major California reservoir has hit its peak for the year at just over half full

LA Times  

A bridge on Highway 162 crosses over Lake Oroville, shown June 2. State water officials say the reservoir reached it peak level for the year last month at 1.94 million acre-feet, just more than half its capacity. Though well below historical levels, the reservoir has improved over last year, when drought forced the hydroelectric power plant that relies on Lake …

California reservoirs: The state’s two largest are already at ‘critically low levels’ and the dry season is just starting
2 years, 7 months ago

California reservoirs: The state’s two largest are already at ‘critically low levels’ and the dry season is just starting

CNN  

CNN — Against the backdrop of the water crisis in the Colorado River Basin, where the country’s largest reservoirs are plunging at an alarming rate, California’s two largest reservoirs — Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville — are facing a similar struggle. Shasta Lake is the largest reservoir in the state and the cornerstone of California’s Central Valley Project, a complex …

Drought expands in Southwest, worsening fire risk and water crisis
2 years, 7 months ago

Drought expands in Southwest, worsening fire risk and water crisis

CNN  

CNN — Drought conditions worsened in much of the Southwest over the past week, according to the latest update from the US Drought Monitor, deepening the region’s water crisis and fueling record-setting wildfires across multiple states. In California, which is entirely in drought conditions, two of the state’s largest reservoirs — Shasta Lake and Lake Oroville — are at “critically …

2 people, dog rescued from river as storm douses California
2 years, 8 months ago

2 people, dog rescued from river as storm douses California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Two people and a dog …

Editorial: What we should do with all that rainwater
3 years ago

Editorial: What we should do with all that rainwater

LA Times  

More rain is expected in Southern California later this week, although not a downpour of the magnitude that dropped up to five inches on parts of the region on Tuesday and broke the 1888 record for the wettest Dec. 14 in downtown Los Angeles. Opinion Editorial: When California needs to flush its stormwater out to sea — and when it …

Record rainfall drenches drought-stricken California and douses wildfires
3 years, 1 month ago

Record rainfall drenches drought-stricken California and douses wildfires

NPR  

Record rainfall drenches drought-stricken California and douses wildfires Enlarge this image toggle caption Sarah Reingewirtz/AP Sarah Reingewirtz/AP SAN FRANCISCO — A powerful storm that swept through California set rainfall records and helped douse wildfires. Enlarge this image toggle caption Brittany Murray/AP Brittany Murray/AP The National Weather Service called preliminary rainfall totals "staggering," including 11 inches at the base of Marin …

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