As rain begins to fall in California, a powerful storm system is expected to bring heavy downpours, strong winds, and potential flooding to areas recently devastated by wildfires. Prior to the storm’s arrival, officials have taken proactive measures such as distributing sandbags, positioning rescue teams, and advising residents to prepare their emergency bags.
Meanwhile, in Portland, streets have been treated with 2,000 gallons of liquid anti-icer in anticipation of icy conditions, while emergency shelters have been opened in Oregon and Idaho to address the incoming snow and ice storm expected to hit on Thursday.
Southern California is projected to receive up to 6 inches of rain in mountainous regions and 3 inches in coastal and valley areas, according to hydrologist Brent Bower from the National Weather Service. High winds accompanying the storm may lead to tree damage, power outages, and travel disruptions.
Evacuation alerts have been issued for areas like Mandeville Canyon and Trabuco Canyon, where recent fires have left the landscape vulnerable to potential debris flows during the impending storm. Schools in Malibu have been closed, and Knott’s Berry Farm has shut down in response to the approaching atmospheric river.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain warns that while the region desperately needs rain, the intensity and speed of this storm may pose risks of debris flows and flash flooding in areas affected by wildfires. With vegetation stripped away by fires, the soil is left exposed, making it prone to erosion and debris movement.
Officials are advising residents to stay vigilant, keep roads clear, and be prepared for potential evacuation orders. In the East, heavy snow and freezing rain have already caused chaos, with numerous traffic accidents, power outages, and flood threats reported from Kentucky to the nation’s capital.
The storm system, stretching from Kentucky to Maryland, blanketed regions with significant snowfall, leaving thousands without power. Airports in the affected areas experienced disruptions, with significant flight cancellations and delays nationwide.
As recovery efforts continue and power restoration operations are underway, residents are urged to exercise caution and remain prepared for any further developments in these ongoing weather emergencies.
While attempting to control the car’s trajectory into a curve, the driver lost control, veered across the center line, and collided head-on with an oncoming semi-truck, tragically resulting in the driver’s death at the scene. Brad Metcalf, the county’s emergency management director, provided this information. Meanwhile, in Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in response to a series of events. State police in Virginia reported a concerning total of approximately 850 crashes that occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday, with dozens of them involving injuries. Authorities were uncertain whether these incidents were directly attributable to the adverse weather conditions prevailing at the time.
Further north, in Maryland, State Police documented a total of 235 crashes as well as 185 vehicles that were either inoperable or left unattended. Southern West Virginia was also affected as multiple crashes led to temporary closures of several major highways on Tuesday.
In the Pacific Northwest, an ice storm was anticipated, with freezing rain and snow expected to impact northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, potentially causing power outages. The National Weather Service issued warnings regarding this weather event. Authorities in Oregon’s Multnomah County extended a state of emergency, ensuring at least six emergency shelters remained operational through Thursday. On Tuesday night, 356 individuals sought refuge at these shelters. Additionally, Portland was forecasted to experience wind chill readings dropping as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12 degrees Celsius).
Moving to Idaho, a cold weather advisory was in place, with wind chills projected to plummet to as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 25 degrees Celsius) in the state’s north-central region. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about an upcoming ice storm that could disrupt deliveries of flowers and other gifts in the Portland area just before Valentine’s Day. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Julia Duncan, co-owner of Flowers in Flight, remained optimistic, citing past experiences with ice storms during winters and customers’ willingness to go the extra mile for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. She expressed confidence in their ability to navigate the weather challenges and fulfill their customers’ needs, emphasizing the spirit of the holiday.
In conclusion, various Associated Press journalists contributed information from different parts of the United States to compile this comprehensive report.
