This Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS), announced that a powerful atmospheric riverbeing the second in a row, will continue to strongly impact the north of the state of California with heavy rains, as well as the danger of flooding as a consequence, while in the following days snowfall is expected to continue in the Northeast the Great Lakes.
This meteorological phenomenon was felt since Thursday in the form of a winter storm in the north of Californiawhere they were registered heavy snow and rain that broke records. Some meteorologists have warned of the risk of flash flooding and landslides.
In fact, in Washingtonmore than 185 people were still without electricity early Friday morning, especially in the area of Seattlewhile crews worked to clear the streets, where there were wires, fallen branches and debris.
Public service officials have argued that the cuts, which began on Tuesday, could continue until tomorrow, Saturday.
On the other hand, on the east coast, a deep storm will reinforce a mass of cold and humid air, which will continue to bring rain and snow to a large part of the Northeast, as well as the northern mid-Atlantic.
It should be noted that the National Weather Service extended the flood alert until Saturday for the areas of San Francisco, an area that has already received heavy rains from the atmospheric river, being the most powerful of this season.
It was last Tuesday when the system made landfall as a “bomb cyclone”, with intense winds that toppled trees onto roads, cars and houses, taking the lives of at least two people in Washington.
Various communities in Washington opened some warming centers, where they offer internet and device charging completely free. However, some medical centers had to close due to power outages.
It is worth noting that up to 16 inches of rain had been forecast in southeastern Oregon as well as northern California counties as of Friday. In Santa Rosa, a total of seven inches fell in just 24 hours, breaking the record as the rainiest day recorded since 1998.
More than 11 inches fell at the Sonoma County airport facility in the wine country north of San Francisco in 48 hours, and nearly 13 inches fell in the unincorporated city of Venado during the same period.
Paul Lowenthal, fire chief of the Santa Rosa Divisiondetailed that at least 100 vehicles were stranded for hours in the parking lot of a hotel, and the medical center after the waters of a stream flooded them up to their thighs.
Meanwhile, through a statement, the governor of Washington, Jay Insleeshowed his gratitude to the public services teams for working tirelessly. However, it could take several weeks to assess the extent of the damage caused by the phenomenon, and put a dollar figure on it.
Nearly 550 flights were delayed and dozens of them were canceled last Thursday in the San Francisco International Airportaccording to the tracking service, FlightAware.
What are the long-term effects of atmospheric rivers on California’s ecosystem and infrastructure?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Meteorological Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. With the recent announcement from the National Weather Service regarding the powerful atmospheric river affecting California, can you first explain what exactly an atmospheric river is?
Meteorological Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. An atmospheric river is a large, narrow region in the atmosphere that transports moisture from the tropics to other parts of the world. When these systems make landfall, they can condense that moisture into precipitation, leading to heavy rain and snowfall, especially in mountainous regions.
Time.news Editor: This latest atmospheric river seems quite severe, especially since it’s the second in a row affecting Northern California. What kind of impact does that frequency have on the area’s weather patterns and infrastructure?
Meteorological Expert: Yes, it is indeed concerning. The repeated occurrence of atmospheric rivers can lead to cumulative wet conditions, which heighten the risks of flash flooding and landslides. The infrastructure, especially in areas that are already saturated, can struggle to handle the additional water, leading to more power outages and transport disruptions, as we’ve seen in Washington and Seattle where over 185 people lost electricity.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of Seattle, what caused the power outages there, and how do these weather phenomena contribute?
Meteorological Expert: The combination of heavy snow and rain creates significant weight on trees and power lines. When wind gusts or the weight of accumulated snow becomes too much, branches can break and fall onto power lines, causing outages. These outages are further complicated by debris and dangerous conditions, hindering restoration efforts.
Time.news Editor: Shifting our focus to the Northeast, what are we expecting in terms of snowfall and cold weather as this deep storm takes hold?
Meteorological Expert: The Northeast, along with the northern mid-Atlantic, is poised for more challenging conditions. The incoming storm reinforces a mass of cold and humid air, resulting in continued rain and snow. Areas could see several more inches of snow accumulating, which not only impacts travel but also raises concerns about power lines and the potential for ice.
Time.news Editor: Moreover, we’ve noted that the flood alert in San Francisco has been extended until Saturday. What factors influenced this decision by the National Weather Service?
Meteorological Expert: The National Weather Service likely extended the flood alert due to the continued heavy rainfall and the history of sustained precipitation in the area. With ground saturation levels high, even moderate rain can lead to rapid flooding. Forecasts suggest that the current atmospheric river is one of the strongest this season, which raises the stakes significantly.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, what can residents do to prepare for these dangerous weather conditions?
Meteorological Expert: Residents should stay informed through trusted news sources and the National Weather Service for updates. It’s wise to have an emergency kit ready, secure outdoor items that could become projectiles, and avoid areas that are prone to flooding. If you live in areas with a high risk of landslides, know your evacuation routes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us. It’s crucial for our readers to understand both the science behind these phenomena and the necessary precautions they need to take.
Meteorological Expert: Thank you for having me. Weather patterns can be unpredictable, but with awareness and preparedness, we can mitigate some of the risks they pose.