Authorities in California are bracing for the impact of an approaching atmospheric river, a long band of moisture-rich air from the tropics that could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding beginning Thursday. The state is particularly vulnerable in areas recently devastated by wildfires, where the risk of flash floods and mudslides is heightened. Preparations are underway: sandbags are being distributed, rescue swimmers have been relocated to high-risk zones, and residents are being urged to have emergency kits ready. In areas like Mandeville Canyon and Trabuco Canyon, evacuation warnings have been issued due to the heightened risk of debris flows. Meanwhile, Malibu schools will remain closed on Thursday, and Knott’s Berry Farm theme park closed early on Wednesday as a precaution.
In the southern part of the state, according to Brent Bower, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service, mountainous regions could see up to 6 inches of rain, while coastal areas and valleys may receive around 3 inches. The heavy downpour, combined with strong gusts of wind, could topple trees, cause power outages, and disrupt flights. These conditions are particularly dangerous in areas where vegetation has been destroyed by wildfires, as the lack of root structures to hold the soil in place leaves the ground vulnerable to erosion. The approaching storm comes after a week of intense rain in Los Angeles, which began earlier in the week and is expected to persist.
Elsewhere, Portland prepared for a severe winter storm by spraying over 7,500 liters (2,000 gallons) of antifreeze on its streets to prevent icing. Authorities in Oregon and Idaho have also opened emergency shelters ahead of a dangerous mix of snow and ice expected to begin on Thursday. The region’s infrastructure and residents are gearing up for what could be a crippling winter event, with freezing conditions posing risks to road safety and power lines.
The weather system responsible for these conditions has already caused significant disruptions across the eastern United States. On Wednesday, a storm system brought heavy snow and freezing rain from Kentucky to the nation’s capital, resulting in hundreds of traffic accidents, power outages, and threats of river flooding. In Virginia’s Appalachian region, the small towns of Iron Gate and White Sulphur Springs were blanketed with 14 inches and 12 inches of snow, respectively. The storm continued its path northward, leaving a trail of winter chaos in its wake.
The aftermath of the storm has left thousands without electricity. As of early Thursday morning, over 150,000 customers in Virginia and 13,000 in North Carolina remained without power, according to PowerOutage.us. Appalachian Power, which serves over 1 million customers across Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, reported that more than 5,700 workers were laboring to restore service. Airports in the region were also impacted, with several inches of snow forcing flight cancellations and delays. Nearly 7,000 flights across the U.S. were canceled or delayed on Wednesday, including almost 300 flights to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C., according to flight tracking website FlightAware.com.
Meteorologists and officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and prepared for further disruptions. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, highlighted the irony of the situation: while the region desperately needs rain to alleviate drought conditions, the intensity and speed of the incoming storm could overwhelm the landscape, leading to devastating flash floods and mudslides. The burned areas from recent wildfires are particularly at risk, as the loss of vegetation leaves the soil unstable and prone to erosion. Authorities are warning that roads may be closed, and residents should be ready to evacuate if ordered to do so. The dual threats of heavy rain and freezing conditions serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature, and the importance of preparation and resilience in the face of these challenges.
