California Faces Severe Flood Risk as Pineapple Express Atmospheric River Brings Heavy Rain and Winds
A Pineapple Express atmospheric river is forecast to drive storms across California this week, bringing heavy rain, high winds and an increased risk of flooding. Southern California could experience its biggest Christmas storm in years, with forecast rainfall of 4 to 8 inches along coastal areas and 8 to 12 inches in the foothills between Tuesday and Saturday.
The ongoing pattern has contributed to a wet winter across the western U.S., with December storms causing flooding, breached levees and power outages in Oregon and Washington. There is a heightened risk of mudslides and debris flows in burn-scarred areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
A flash flood warning was announced for Los Angeles starting Tuesday by Mayor Karen Bass. The city is deploying Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (Lahsa) staff to provide supplies and hotel vouchers to people living outside, while first responders, public works, and utility crews are prepared to respond. November rainfall in Los Angeles reached 5.5 inches, marking the wettest November in decades.
Tragically, one person died in Redding, California, after becoming stranded in a vehicle amid floodwaters; emergency responders pulled the individual from the water but were unable to revive them.
