Southern California is currently recovering from heavy rain and flooding that occurred earlier this week. However, the region is now facing another challenge as an atmospheric river is approaching.
According to the National Weather Service, a storm system is forecasted to move southward along the West Coast from Jan. 31 through Feb. 5. This weather event is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the Golden State.
According to meteorologists, higher elevations are likely to experience heavy snowfall.
The Weather Service predicts a high likelihood of above-normal precipitation from southern Oregon to California, as well as the Great Basin and the Desert Southwest, throughout the month of February, with chances ranging from 60% to 80%.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), California is expected to experience a significant amount of precipitation between Jan. 31 and Feb. 5. NWS has identified a high risk, with over a 60% chance, of hazardous and heavy precipitation occurring during this time. This forecast has raised concerns about potential localized flooding, especially in areas that have recently been impacted by heavy rain.
The upcoming atmospheric river is expected to bring hazardous, onshore winds that will likely affect the West Coast. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning about the potential coastal erosion caused by persistently high waves during this period.
The National Weather Service (NWS) explained that it is difficult to determine the specific impacts of this long-term projected forecast for any particular location at this extended range.
