California and parts of the Pacific Northwest are getting drenched as a powerful storm system brings heavy rain, strong winds, and the risk of flooding. Some areas are seeing up to a foot of rain before the storm runs out of steam by Wednesday, according to weather experts.
After a dry January that contributed to devastating wildfires in Southern California, this storm is delivering an extreme turnaround. The heaviest rain is hitting northern and central California, with some spots expected to receive an entire month’s worth of rainfall in just a couple of days.
Weather officials say this massive storm is fueled by an “atmospheric river,” a long, narrow flow of moisture in the sky that transports water from the tropics to other regions. When it originates near Hawaii, it’s often called a “Pineapple Express.”
“This one is lasting much longer than usual,” meteorologist Heather Zehr from AccuWeather told USA TODAY. “It started Thursday night, and the rain just keeps adding up.”
Forecasters warn that northern California and southwestern Oregon will see several inches of rain, with cities like San Francisco and Redding likely to get a full month’s worth of precipitation by the time it’s over. Along with flooding concerns, the storm could trigger landslides and mudslides, especially in hilly areas. Road closures and travel disruptions are possible.
On top of all that rain, strong winds could knock out power and make travel dangerous. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall is piling up in the mountains, adding another layer of weather hazards to the mix.
Elsewhere in the country, the weather is taking some dramatic turns. The Southwest and Southern Plains are experiencing record-high temperatures through midweek, while Arctic air from Canada is pushing into the northern U.S., sending temperatures well below normal.
As this storm system loses power over California, another one is brewing in the East, where a major clash between warm and cold air is setting the stage for severe weather later this week. Meteorologists are predicting a mix of thunderstorms, ice storms, and heavy snow between Wednesday and Thursday, affecting millions of people.
“This storm will bring a little bit of everything—severe storms, dangerous ice, and accumulating snow,” AccuWeather’s Brandon Buckingham said.
With extreme weather unfolding across different parts of the country, forecasters urge people to stay alert, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid unnecessary travel in hazardous conditions. Stay safe and stay informed!