Officials in California are preparing for a major storm, known as an atmospheric river, that could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding on Thursday. Rescue teams have been placed on standby, and residents in high-risk areas have been advised to have emergency bags ready. The storm is expected to bring up to six inches of rain in the mountains and three inches in coastal areas. Winds may also bring down trees and cause power outages.
Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for Mandeville Canyon and Trabuco Canyon, areas that were previously affected by wildfires. Since burned land is more prone to landslides, officials are concerned about potential debris flows. Schools in Malibu were closed, and even Knott’s Berry Farm shut down early due to the storm.
Climate expert Daniel Swain warns that while California needs rain, this storm may be too intense, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides. Roads may be closed, and residents have been told to be prepared for evacuation orders if necessary.
Snow and Ice Hit the East Coast and Pacific Northwest
While California prepares for heavy rain, other parts of the country are dealing with snow and ice. On Wednesday, a major winter storm hit the East Coast, dumping more than 14 inches of snow in Virginia and 12 inches in West Virginia. Thousands of people lost power, with over 150,000 customers in Virginia and 13,000 in North Carolina still in the dark by Thursday morning.
The storm also disrupted air travel, causing nearly 7,000 flight cancellations or delays across the country. Virginia saw over 850 car accidents, some with injuries, while Maryland reported 235 crashes. Kentucky experienced a fatal crash when a driver lost control and hit a semi-truck.
In the Pacific Northwest, freezing rain and snow have led to dangerous road conditions. Oregon’s Multnomah County extended a state of emergency, and officials opened six emergency shelters for those in need. Temperatures in Portland dropped to 10°F (-12°C), and an ice storm threatened to make Valentine’s Day deliveries difficult.
Despite the bad weather, business owners remain hopeful. Julia Duncan, a flower shop owner, believes customers will still come in for Valentine’s gifts, saying, “It’s Valentine’s Day! People will go the extra mile for their loved ones.”
