Atmospheric river brings rain, flooding and new evacuations for fire victims
1 month, 1 week ago

Atmospheric river brings rain, flooding and new evacuations for fire victims

LA Times  

Absorbent barriers line Lake Avenue in Altadena on Feb. 13, 2025, as an atmospheric river passed over the Southland. “This is a life threatening situation,” the National Weather Service wrote in a flash flood warning for residents in and around the Eaton fire zone. Severe debris flows can also be anticipated across roads.” Debris and mudflow on Loma Alta Drive in Altadena during a rainstorm over the Eaton fire burn area on Feb. 13, 2025. Weather service officials also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of Los Angeles County on Thursday, noting the conditions would probably bring “considerable tree damage” as well as damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings. “First we had to evacuate because of the fire and now we’re preparing for a flood?” New data reporting from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Department of Conservation showed that Pacific Palisades and Altadena face heightened risks of damage from flooding, slides and debris flows for the next several years.

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History of this topic

Study shows rain-soaking atmospheric rivers are getting bigger, wetter and more frequent
1 week, 4 days ago

Study shows rain-soaking atmospheric rivers are getting bigger, wetter and more frequent

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — As extreme weather events have hit the world hard in recent years, one meteorology term — atmospheric rivers — has made the leap from scientific circles to common language, particularly in places that have been hit by them. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Scientists have long predicted that as …

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say
1 week, 6 days ago

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say

LA Times  

A pedestrian stays dry Wednesday in Santa Ana. A storm is first expected to drench San Diego County on Monday night before an atmospheric river storm soaks the L.A. region midweek, posing a threat to burn scar areas. An atmospheric river is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy precipitation along the coast of California through Thursday, with significant impacts …

California storms: Heavy rain spurs evacuations near wildfire burn scars
1 month, 1 week ago

California storms: Heavy rain spurs evacuations near wildfire burn scars

CNN  

CNN — Southern Californians evacuated their homes for the second time this year, but this time, it’s for heavy rain and debris flows that threaten new destruction in areas still recovering from last month’s devastating wildfires. Here’s the latest: • Heavy rain drenches California: A powerful, atmospheric river-fueled storm is dumping rain over the state Thursday. • Flood risk extends …

California’s Problem Now Isn’t Fire—It’s Rain
55 years, 2 months ago

California’s Problem Now Isn’t Fire—It’s Rain

Wired  

Southern California’s long overdue rainy season is about to go into overdrive. As much as 3 to 6 inches of rain could fall in the higher elevations of coastal Southern California in the next few days, which the NWS says will create a “high risk of flooding and burn scar debris flows.” By the time this week’s storms are over, …

An atmospheric river is coming to California. It could bring risks of debris flows
1 month, 1 week ago

An atmospheric river is coming to California. It could bring risks of debris flows

NPR  

An atmospheric river is coming to California. It could bring risks of debris flows toggle caption David McNew/AFP via Getty Images A rain-filled storm called an atmospheric river is sweeping into California this week. The big swings make seeing the fingerprint of human-caused climate change on weather events like atmospheric rivers challenging, Shields says. Sponsor Message "There's very strong evidence …

Major atmospheric river storm is barreling toward California: ‘Prepare for the worst’
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Major atmospheric river storm is barreling toward California: ‘Prepare for the worst’

LA Times  

A jogger and a dog are bundled up as they run in the rain in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday. × Animated infographic shows a debris flow works For Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the storm could start as early as Tuesday night or as late as Thursday evening, Kittell said. “Prepare for the worst and hope for …

Chance of strong atmospheric river storm grows, as does risk of mudslides in L.A. burn scars
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Chance of strong atmospheric river storm grows, as does risk of mudslides in L.A. burn scars

LA Times  

Umbrellas came out in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday. The second of back-to-back atmospheric rivers hit Southern California early Friday, bringing heavy rain to some parts of Los Angeles County and triggering floods, rockslides and minor debris flows in the Palisades burn scar. Kittell said residents — particularly those in places at risk of debris flows — should prepare for …

Atmospheric river storm set to hit SoCal Tuesday. What to know about the rain and the risks
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Atmospheric river storm set to hit SoCal Tuesday. What to know about the rain and the risks

LA Times  

A stronger atmospheric river is set to hit Northern California on Monday and then hit Los Angeles County on Tuesday, aiding hopes of a more definitive end to a devastating fire weather season for Southern California. A second storm is expected to hit L.A. County on Thursday into Friday, and that one “will have more impact, particularly for L.A. County, …

Pair of atmospheric river storms headed to California. SoCal could be in for a soaking
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Pair of atmospheric river storms headed to California. SoCal could be in for a soaking

LA Times  

After an extraordinarily dry start to the year, two atmospheric river storms are expected to hit California — potentially bringing much-needed moisture to the still-withered Southland while packing a more powerful and prolonged punch up north. There’s a chance of moderate to heavy rainfall in Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service …

Two rounds of rain expected to hit Southern California: What to know
4 months ago

Two rounds of rain expected to hit Southern California: What to know

LA Times  

A motorist drives through floodwater from Piner Creek past a car that stalled earlier due to the flooding in Santa Rosa. “This is its last gasp.” Rain moved into San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties Saturday morning and was expected to reach Los Angeles County by midday. San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties could see up to …

A new storm is lashing areas hit by a deadly bomb cyclone and boosting an already prolific atmospheric river
4 months ago

A new storm is lashing areas hit by a deadly bomb cyclone and boosting an already prolific atmospheric river

CNN  

CNN — A new storm impacting the Northwest could bring additional damage to the region following a historically strong bomb cyclone. It’s also adding another jolt of energy to an atmospheric river that’s already dumped nearly a foot and a half of rain on parts of California this week. Flooding forced road closures Thursday in Northern California’s Sonoma County, including …

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible
10 months, 3 weeks 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 …

California storms kill three people as 38 MILLION remain under flood alerts and Beverly Hills roads turn to rivers of mud
1 year, 1 month ago

California storms kill three people as 38 MILLION remain under flood alerts and Beverly Hills roads turn to rivers of mud

Daily Mail  

Multi-million-dollar homes of Tinsel Town's elite have been trashed by flooding The National Weather Service forecasts the storm could bring up to an additional six inches of rain into Tuesday The Pineapple Express weather system has killed three Californians and 38 million people remain under flood alerts At least three people have died in the historic flooding battering California, as …

An atmospheric river has been pounding California. When will the rain end?
1 year, 1 month ago

An atmospheric river has been pounding California. When will the rain end?

NPR  

An atmospheric river has been pounding California. MARTIN: NPR's Nathan Rott has been covering this storm from Ventura, on the California coast between LA and Santa Barbara, and he is with us now. ROTT: So LA Mayor Karen Bass and city officials said that more than 120 debris flows have been reported as of last night just in the city …

Why California Isn’t Built To Handle This Kind Of Storm
1 year, 1 month 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 …

Photos: Powerful atmospheric river storm pummels California
1 year, 1 month ago

Photos: Powerful atmospheric river storm pummels California

LA Times  

Chilling rain, swirling gray clouds and blustery winds rolled into Southern California on Sunday as what was anticipated as the strongest storm of the season promised near-record rainfall and flash flooding through Tuesday. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. …

Second powerful storm in days blows into California, sparking warnings of hurricane-force winds
1 year, 1 month ago

Second powerful storm in days blows into California, sparking warnings of hurricane-force winds

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 California braced Sunday for the …

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms
1 year, 1 month 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
1 year, 1 month 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
1 year, 1 month 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 …

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
1 year, 1 month ago

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

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 The first of two back-to-back …

California isn’t prepared for turbocharged storms like the ones we’re getting this week
1 year, 1 month ago

California isn’t prepared for turbocharged storms like the ones we’re getting this week

LA Times  

As a series of major winter storms sweep over the West Coast this week, anxious Californians are looking back at the flash floods and the “thousand-year” deluge that shocked San Diego a week ago, and Oxnard a few weeks earlier, wondering what’s in store. Starting Tuesday night, and then again on Sunday, two “atmospheric river” systems will bring high winds …

California braces for inundation as atmospheric rivers barrel in from Pacific Ocean
1 year, 1 month ago

California braces for inundation as atmospheric rivers barrel in from Pacific Ocean

LA Times  

Still reeling from last year’s onslaught of winter wind and rain, communities along the California coast are bracing for a one-two punch of hefty storms that began to move onshore Wednesday and could bring turbulent weather across the state through at least early next week. “With more storms on the horizon, we’ll continue to mobilize every available resource to protect …

Early season atmospheric river to bring ‘deluge’ of rain to Northern California coast
1 year, 6 months ago

Early season atmospheric river to bring ‘deluge’ of rain to Northern California coast

LA Times  

CalTrans crews working on a section of U.S. Route 199 in Del Norte County in August. An early season atmospheric river storm is expected to hit the Northern California coast late Sunday. An early season atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds across Northern California’s coast this weekend, a storm that officials are hopeful can cool …

Volcano? Climate change? Bad luck? Why California was hit with 31 atmospheric river storms
1 year, 11 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 …

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

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

Flooding, landslides as atmospheric river departs California
2 years ago

Flooding, landslides as atmospheric river departs 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 Southern California residents weary of …

Another atmospheric river pounds California, 27K to evacuate
2 years ago

Another atmospheric river pounds California, 27K to evacuate

Associated Press  

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — The latest powerful atmospheric river to drench California put nearly 27,000 people under evacuation orders Tuesday due to flooding and landslide risks. Crews raced to stabilize the Pajaro River’s ruptured levee Tuesday, placing rocks and boulders to finish filling the gap that opened late Friday, about 70 miles south of San Francisco. “Even a small amount of …

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

California, hit by a 2nd atmospheric river, is hit again by floods
2 years ago

California, hit by a 2nd atmospheric river, is hit again by floods

NPR  

California, hit by a 2nd atmospheric river, is hit again by floods Enlarge this image toggle caption Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images California is expected to see another bout of rain and snow through Wednesday. Parts of Central and Southern California are expected to see excessive rainfall and possibly flash floods into Wednesday morning. Flood …

A waterlogged California is bracing for yet another atmospheric river
2 years ago

A waterlogged California is bracing for yet another atmospheric river

NPR  

A waterlogged California is bracing for yet another atmospheric river Enlarge this image toggle caption Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images California is bracing for another atmospheric river expected to make landfall as soon as Monday night as the state has been inundated with intense rainfall since Friday, causing widespread flooding and mudslides. A river levee …

Atmospheric river floods California towns, brings rain, snow
2 years 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 …

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach
2 years ago

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach

NPR  

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach Enlarge this image toggle caption Mario Tama/Getty Images Mario Tama/Getty Images Another set of storms is expected to hit California in the coming days and over the weekend, continuing the state's spate of recent extreme weather since the beginning of the year. Starting Thursday, forecasters say back-to-back "atmospheric …

New storm could bring more peril to California rivers already hit by deadly flooding
2 years ago

New storm could bring more peril to California rivers already hit by deadly flooding

LA Times  

A powerful storm barreling toward California from the tropical Pacific threatens to trigger widespread river flooding throughout the state as warm rain melts a record accumulation of snowpack and sends runoff surging down mountains and into streams and reservoirs. Although state officials insist they are prepared to manage runoff from what is now the 10th atmospheric river of a deadly …

Another atmospheric river is heading for California. Here’s what SoCal can expect
2 years ago

Another atmospheric river is heading for California. Here’s what SoCal can expect

LA Times  

Deanna Beaudoin helps a neighbor shovel a shared driveway on Monday in Crestline. Forecasters are growing increasingly concerned about the potential for flooding and structural damage as another atmospheric river storm is slated to hit California this week and drop warm rain atop the state’s near-record snowpack. “That could pose some issues at higher elevations where they’ve got a lot …

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

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

Rain, snow, high winds batter SoCal; 5 and 14 freeways closed, roads flooded
2 years ago

Rain, snow, high winds batter SoCal; 5 and 14 freeways closed, roads flooded

LA Times  

Traffic diverted from Interstate 5 makes its way along a flooded street in L.A.’s Sun Valley neighborhood on Friday. “It’s just wild to see snow in the hills.” The unusual system rivals a storm that hit the region in 1989 — the first and only other time the weather service issued a blizzard warning in the L.A. area. Firefighters had …

Photos: Snow, heavy rain pummel Southern California
2 years, 1 month ago

Photos: Snow, heavy rain pummel Southern California

LA Times  

A powerful winter storm carving a path through Southern California was expected to weaken Saturday, leaving heaps of sleet, snow and record-setting rain in its wake. Storm clouds move over downtown Los Angeles as more rain and snow fall across Southern California on Monday. People snowboard and sled down a hill as they revel in the rare sight of falling …

After epic rains, California will have time to dry out. But for how long?
2 years, 2 months ago

After epic rains, California will have time to dry out. But for how long?

LA Times  

Water flows into the Kern River on Monday after storms rolled through Bakersfield. A series of atmospheric river storms that dropped record-breaking rain and unleashed chaos across California will end with a whimper this week, as officials work to tabulate the epic rainfall. It was expected to “bring a quick shot of rain,” with up to half an inch possible …

California braces for more storms. When will they hit and how bad will they be?
2 years, 2 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, …

‘Endless stream’ of new storms hits California again this week. What to expect
2 years, 2 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, …

What is an atmospheric river?
2 years, 2 months ago

What is an atmospheric river?

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The system swamping California is known as an “atmospheric river” - or a “river in the sky” - a …

Rain To Persist As Storm Weary Californians Face Evacuations
2 years, 2 months ago

Rain To Persist As Storm Weary Californians Face Evacuations

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LOS ANGELES — The latest in a relentless string of storms slammed California on Monday, swamping roads, battering coastlines with high surf, turning rivers into gushing flood zones and forcing the evacuation of thousands in towns with histories of deadly mudslides. “Additional heavy rains on Tuesday will exacerbate ongoing flooding and continue the risk of flash flooding …

California braces for more rain, storms, potential floods
2 years, 2 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
2 years, 2 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 …

Extreme flooding risk in coming days as Northern California storms swell rivers
2 years, 2 months ago

Extreme flooding risk in coming days as Northern California storms swell rivers

LA Times  

David Toney, 60, far left, who is homeless, uses a raft to get off a flooded homeless encampment on Bannon Island, along the Sacramento River on Thursday. At 11.5 feet, waters would spill north along Lelong Street, flood the viaduct at Highway 87 and Alma Avenue, and risks flooding properties in San Jose’s Northern Cross neighborhood. The Santa Clara Valley …

L.A. lets rain flow into the Pacific Ocean, wasting a vital resource. Can we do better?
2 years, 2 months ago

L.A. lets rain flow into the Pacific Ocean, wasting a vital resource. Can we do better?

LA Times  

The Los Angeles River roared to life this week as a series of powerful storms moved through the Southland. “In a region that imports 60% of our water, it’s just a huge untapped potential for a local water supply,” said Bruce Reznik, executive director of L.A. Waterkeeper. “We have that dual mission: flood protection and supporting local water supply.” City …

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