Meteorologists issued a number of warnings Thursday as a massive weather system heads for the West Coast.
The Pineapple Express atmospheric river made landfall on Thursday night, and is expected to deluge parts of the West Coast with “potentially damaging and life-threatening flooding” between Sunday and Monday, according to meteorologist Colin McCarthy. Satellite imagery shared by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) showed the system moving through the Pacific before hitting the western shores so hard, the effects will be felt as far east as Idaho, possibly further.
“This storm could end up generating unprecedented amounts of rain across a widespread area!” the National Weather Service Los Angeles (NWSLA) warned. Models show anywhere from three to seven inches of rain will hit California’s valleys, with six to 12 inches falling along the coasts and more than 20 inches in the mountains.
If you live in SoCal, especially from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara counties, you need to prepare now for potentially damaging and life-threatening flooding Sun-Monday.
3-7 inches of rain is forecast for coasts and valleys, with up to 6-15 inches possible in the mountains.… pic.twitter.com/tktH2GTCMw
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) February 2, 2024
NWSLA’s list of what to expect during the storm included damaging and life-threatening floods, heavy mountain snow, strong damaging winds and dangerous seas. All updates from the NWSLA Twitter account seem to have included the phrase “Prepare Now!”
We are expecting a major storm with dangerous, even life-threatening impacts! Here is a short list of what’s coming and how you can prepare for and avoid hazards, including heavy rain and dangerous flooding, heavy mountain snow and strong, damaging winds. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/OOsRlhVsi8
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 2, 2024
Southern California has already dealt with extremely damaging floods in 2024. (RELATED: Don’t Relax Just Yet, Winter Might Be Coming Back With A Vengeance In February)
Heavy rain and other types of precipitation will also hit parts of coastal and inland Oregon and Arizona, NWS noted. But the worst effects will be felt throughout California. Residents should prepare immediately, and keep an eye on all local weather forecasts.