A powerful storm is drenching parts of California, bringing heavy rain and raising flood concerns. This storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, is expected to keep pouring down through Wednesday morning before finally running out of steam, according to weather experts.
So, what’s happening? The National Weather Service (NWS) says this atmospheric river is slowly shifting south, carrying a ton of moisture from the Pacific. That means steady rain for the coastal mountains, the Central Valley, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. Some areas, including the Bay Area, could see several inches of rain in just a short time, making flooding a real concern.
How much rain are we talking about? The NWS predicts 2 to 4 inches for the coastal ranges and 3 to 6 inches or more for the Sierra Nevada foothills. Some parts near Sacramento might even get up to 6 inches of rain. Because of this, a Flood Watch is in place for the Bay Area and Central Coast until early Wednesday morning. Roads, rivers, and low-lying areas could flood, especially in places where drainage isn’t great.
Officials are keeping a close eye on things and are warning residents to stay alert for possible flood warnings. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s a good idea to be prepared in case things take a turn for the worse.
What Is an Atmospheric River? And What’s a Pineapple Express?
Think of an atmospheric river as a giant, invisible highway in the sky, carrying huge amounts of moisture from the tropics to places like California. In fact, an average atmospheric river holds about as much water as the Mississippi River at its mouth. And if it’s a particularly strong one? It could carry 15 times that amount!
When these moisture-packed air currents hit land, all that water has to go somewhere—so it comes down as heavy rain or snow.
Ever heard of a Pineapple Express? That’s just a specific type of atmospheric river that pulls warm, wet air all the way from Hawaii to the U.S. West Coast. When this happens, California can get hit with intense storms that bring days of relentless rain, flooding, and even mudslides.
For now, meteorologists are urging Californians to stay informed and be ready for possible flooding. If you’re in a low-lying area, it’s smart to have a plan just in case things get worse. Stay safe, and keep an eye on the latest updates!