California Braces as Powerful Storms Threaten Millions
California residents are bracing for severe weather as powerful storms threaten millions across the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple weather alerts, predicting significant rainfall and gusty winds throughout the week.
Forecast Details and Alerts
According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Heather Zehr, rain is expected to begin in Northern California on Monday morning, then shift southward by Monday night. As California’s wet season commenced in October, several storms have already impacted the region.
- Wet conditions have been prevalent, with an atmospheric river delivering substantial rainfall in the northern areas.
- Southern California has also experienced rain and thunderstorms this fall.
Weather Warnings and Impacted Areas
The NWS has issued various advisories, including coastal flood and wind alerts, high wind watches, and high surf advisories for millions in Central and Northern California, covering cities like Sacramento and Oakland. Most warnings will take effect on Tuesday, coinciding with the expected arrival of the storm.
The NWS’s forecast indicates that a strong cyclone forming in the northeast Pacific will exacerbate the weather conditions late Tuesday into Wednesday. This system is expected to generate breezy and windy conditions, particularly affecting Northern California.
Projected Rainfall and Continued Storms
Rainfall is anticipated to extend from Central California northward through Washington state and parts of Idaho starting Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday. Coastal and mountainous regions in California, Oregon, and Washington could see significant rainfall—a forecasted 4 inches in certain areas over the storm’s duration.
Chad Merrill, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, noted that a persistent Gulf of Alaska trough will maintain wet weather patterns in the Northwest and Northern California into mid-November. However, conditions are projected to shift to drier and warmer as Thanksgiving approaches.
Upcoming Weather Events
The next major storm is forecasted to hit the Pacific Northwest, specifically Oregon and Washington, on Thursday. The NWS San Francisco office has also issued wind advisories, cautioning that strong gusts could result in downed tree limbs and power outages.
- Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible along North Bay coastal areas.
- Travel could be hazardous, especially for high-profile vehicles.
Stay Prepared and Informed
As stormy weather moves towards California, residents should stay informed and adhere to local weather advisories. The forecast indicates ongoing storms through the first half of November, making it essential for those in affected areas to remain vigilant and prepared.
