California’s Atmospheric River Pummels Fire-Damaged Regions, Sparking Flooding Fears

"California's Storm Hits Fire-Damaged Areas, Raising Flood Worries"

An atmospheric river is threatening flooding and power outages on the US west coast, prompting evacuation warnings in wildfire-affected areas.

Emily Johnson13 March 2025Last Update : 22 hours ago

California atmospheric river threatens flooding in areas still reeling from fires | California

www.theguardian.com

On March 13, 2025, the US west coast is experiencing an atmospheric river event that poses significant flooding risks and potential power outages. Over 20 million people in southern California are under flood watches as heavy rain and snow impact the region.

6 Key Takeaways

Atmospheric river event threatens California flooding
Evacuation warnings issued for burn scar areas
Los Angeles mayor urges public vigilance
Flood and wind advisories in effect
Over 400 personnel deployed for storm response
Risk of mudslides due to wildfire damage

Fast Answer: Southern California faces severe flooding threats due to an atmospheric river event affecting over 20 million residents. Evacuation warnings have been issued in areas previously impacted by wildfires, with state agencies deploying personnel for storm response.

The atmospheric river is expected to bring intense rainfall and snow, particularly affecting Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The National Weather Service has issued various advisories, including a flood advisory set to last until early Thursday morning. Local officials have urged residents in burn scar regions to remain vigilant due to heightened risks of mudslides and debris flows.

Evacuation warnings were specifically issued for communities such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena. These areas are still recovering from recent wildfires which have left the soil vulnerable to erosion and water runoff. Key statistics include:

Over 400 personnel deployed by state agencies for storm preparations.
A level 2 of 4 risk of flooding rainfall from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles.
Wind advisories in place across local mountain ranges until Thursday night.

California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of safety measures during this storm event. He noted ongoing efforts in areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades to mitigate risks associated with potential debris flows resulting from heavy rains on burned land. The California governor’s office explained that wildfire-affected soils can repel water instead of absorbing it, increasing the likelihood of flash floods.

This weather event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters following wildfires. Residents are advised to heed evacuation orders and stay informed about changing conditions as authorities continue monitoring the situation closely.

Notice: Canadians should be aware that similar weather patterns can occur in their regions during spring thaw or heavy rain seasons. It’s important to stay updated on local forecasts and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

The ongoing atmospheric river event highlights critical safety concerns for millions in southern California as they navigate potential flooding hazards amid recovery efforts from previous wildfires.