Northern California is getting a short break from severe weather after several days of heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds. However, another storm is expected to arrive by Thursday. The recent storms have brought snowfall to higher elevations and much-needed rain to Southern California, which could help end the region’s wildfire season.
Recent Storms and Their Impact
The latest storm brought record-breaking rainfall to San Francisco, with 2.89 inches recorded on Tuesday, surpassing a 138-year-old record from 1887. Areas north of Sacramento, such as Paradise, have received over 20 inches of rain since Friday. The heavy downpour has significantly raised the water levels of Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville by an impressive 15 feet.
Unfortunately, the storm caused serious damage in some areas. In Sonoma County, a mudslide pushed a home into the Russian River. Thankfully, the house was empty at the time, and authorities had issued evacuation orders for low-lying areas before the incident.
In Santa Rosa, strong winds knocked down trees at an elementary school, but no injuries were reported. Coastal areas north of San Francisco experienced wind gusts as high as 90 mph, while San Francisco International Airport recorded a 69 mph gust. The strong winds brought down trees and power lines, and one person was hospitalized after being struck by a falling tree.
Upcoming Weather: More Rain on the Way
Another storm is expected to hit Northern California early Thursday morning. While this system will bring more rain, it is not expected to be as severe as the previous storm. Flash flood warnings have been issued for coastal areas from San Francisco to northern Los Angeles, as well as parts of inland Northern California. However, this storm is moving quickly, which should help prevent major flooding and heavy snow buildup.
Southern California’s Rain Relief
As the storm moves south, it is expected to bring rain to wildfire-affected regions, including Los Angeles. The rain is beneficial and could help officially end the fire season. However, because the area has a 5-10 inch rainfall deficit since October, more rain is still needed to fully recover.
Snowfall in the West
The storm is also bringing snow to the Western U.S. The Sierra Nevada mountains in California are expected to receive several feet of snow, making travel difficult from Thursday to Friday. Other states, including Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, are also under Winter Storm Warnings.
While the upcoming storm is not as intense as the last one, residents should still be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.
