California braces as dangerous storm system set to deliver ‘life threatening flooding’ and heavy snow
SAN DIEGO — A strong Pacific storm system is expected to bring “life threatening flooding” and heavy snow to California on Sunday and early into the week, according to the National Weather Service.
SAN DIEGO — A strong Pacific storm system is expected to bring “life threatening flooding” and heavy snow to California on Sunday and early into the week, according to the National Weather Service.
On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a storm-related state of emergency as federal forecasters said an atmospheric river of precipitation drawn from waters north of Hawaii is producing a firehose of rain and snow for the state. The combination of warm air from the Pacific, strong onshore winds and cooler air onshore could produce thunderstorms as well as a deluge producing as much as 1 inch per hour, they said.
Damaging winds, brief tornadoes and waterspouts were also possible Sunday along coasts and valleys in southwest California, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.
Multiple feet of snow were expected in parts of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Newsom's emergency declaration was for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. It will allow for activation of the National Guard, if necessary, and facilitate faster recovery efforts, his office said in a statement.
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