Californians Warned to Prepare for Another Atmospheric River

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Facts

• On Wednesday, California officials warned more than 16M residents under flood watches to prepare for an onslaught of rain and snowmelt that could lead to substantial flooding beginning on Thursday.¹
• This warning comes as back-to-back severe winter storms have slammed the state leaving residents and hikers stranded for extended periods without supplies. The National Weather Service said that the combined atmospheric river and winter storm system could lead to 'high snow levels' with the most snow expected in central California.²
• The atmospheric river could rate a 'level three' of five on the measurement scale for the weather phenomenon. The low-pressure systems are expected to combine and dump two-to-three inches of rain in coastal areas and higher elevations could see as much as three-to-five inches.³
• Climate scientists have expressed concern that wildfire 'burn scars' could exacerbate conditions across the state. The 2021 Dixie and Caldor fire burn scar areas are now made up of soil that is water-repellent and lacks rooted vegetation to hold back water; the rain will flow directly into creeks and waterways in the Sacramento and San Joaquin water systems.⁴
• In preparation for the storm, emergency service officials in Big Sur, Monterrey County have asked residents and businesses to stockpile enough essentials to last for two weeks.¹
• In addition to asking residents to prepare to hunker down, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services will open seven shelters in six communities that they expect to take the brunt of the storm.²

Sources: ¹CNN, ²CBS, ³New York Post and ⁴Los Angeles Times.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Washington Post. Climatologists have learned that California has a long history of flooding at the hands of these atmospheric rivers. Even with disaster after disaster, the state still has not invested in infrastructure to properly handle these gully washers. There have been many discussions and plans for a reservoir that would store floodwaters and deliver the water to those in need as the state also faces severe drought. Unfortunately, nothing has come to fruition. How hard is it, after decades of inaction, to arrive at and implement a long-term solution?
• Narrative B, as provided by The Hill. Governor Gavin Newsom has been and continues to be a champion for climate change adaptation in California. In addition to preparing for impacts, he has rocketed the state to being the nation's leader championing climate actions aimed at reducing emissions. Newsom was willing to take on the Trump administration to do what was just and best for the planet. In doing so, he has shined a light on himself to even eye the presidency one day — and California's bold climate policies are a major reason.