LOS ANGELES – A weather event known as an atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow to various parts of California, prompting authorities to issue evacuation warnings for areas affected by recent wildfires. Burn scars from fires like the Eaton and Palisades in January have heightened concerns of potential mudslides and flooding as heavy rainfall looms. Dr. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles, highlighted the risk of significant rainfall, especially in burn-scarred regions, with possibilities of debris flows and flooding. Forecast models predict rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches over the coming days, raising fears of flooding and mudslides in at-risk areas. The saturated soil in burn scars poses a heightened risk of mudslides and flooding, necessitating vigilance among residents in Southern California. An evacuation notice has been issued, urging residents to prepare for potential flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides that could threaten lives and property. With nearly 20 million residents under a Flood Watch in cities like Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Oceanside, and San Diego, the storm is expected to intensify late Wednesday into Thursday morning, potentially bringing heavy rainfall rates of up to an inch per hour. While the late-season storm may help offset drought conditions, meteorologists caution that sustained rainfall will be needed to fully alleviate dry spells. Snow levels are also expected to drop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with significant accumulations forecasted to replenish below-average snowpacks in the region. Despite the potential benefits, authorities stress the need for continued preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
