One person has died in California amid heavy flooding, as residents across the state brace for a week of brutal storms that are predicted to bring extensive rainfall throughout the Christmas weekend.
Authorities in Redding, a city in northern California, reported that a motorist died on Sunday after becoming stranded in their vehicle.
While the cause is under investigation, the city’s mayor Mike Littau said that a 911 call came in from someone who was stuck in their car that was filling with water. Redding police went into the water, broke the car windows, pulled the victim out and gave them CPR, but they did not survive.
“[The] city is very concerned about rain Tuesday to Friday having bigger impacts [than] what we experienced last night … Today is a good day to prepare, as we know more rain is coming,” Littau wrote on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the Pineapple Express – a nickname for a strong atmospheric river that originates in the tropical Pacific – is forecast to drive storms up and down the state this week, bringing with it drenching rains, high winds and the risk of more flooding.
Southern California could face its biggest Christmas storm in years, with heavy rainfall due to hit the region beginning on Tuesday. Between then and Saturday, forecasters expect 4 to 8 inches (10cm to 20cm) along coastal areas and between eight and 12 inches in the foothills, KTLA reported on Monday.
It has already been a wet winter for states in the western US. An unusually strong atmospheric river system in December has brought deadly flooding, breached levees and power outages across Oregon and Washington.
And this week’s storms come a month after an autumn storm in late November dumped 5.5 inches of rain on Los Angeles, making it the wettest November in decades. Top of mind for many, back in November and now, is the risk of mudslides and heavy debris flow in the burn-scarred areas where the Eaton and Palisades fires ravaged neighborhoods and hillsides at the beginning of the year.
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles announced a flash flood warning for the region beginning on Tuesday and is urging people to use caution while traveling for the upcoming holiday. The city is also deploying staff with the Los Angeles homeless services authority (Lahsa) to get supplies and hotel vouchers to those living outside.
“Los Angeles City personnel are preparing for the storm this holiday week. First responders, public works crews, and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather,” Bass said in a statement on Monday. “Angelenos planning to travel to spend time with family and loved ones this holiday week should use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed.
Atmospheric rivers generally form in tropical regions, where warm temperatures can cause water vapor to rise into the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Powerful atmospheric rivers can transport extraordinary amounts of moisture. Studies have shown they can carry seven to 15 times the average amount of water discharged daily by the Mississippi River, according to the US Geological Survey.
They occur globally but are especially significant on the West Coast of the United States, where they create 30% to 50% of annual precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
