Severe rain and atmospheric river storm threaten California
Jack Birle
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An atmospheric river storm off the West Coast is threatening flooding and heavy rain for the Golden State in the coming days.
The storm comes as California has been battered by rain for the past week, as much of the state still suffers from severe drought.
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The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings throughout much of Northern and Central California. Rain totals in some parts of the state could reach 10 inches, while heavy snow has been forecast for the mountains.
The storm will mostly affect the northern and central parts of the state. The NWS still warns of a marginal risk of flooding in the greater Los Angeles area, and the storm is expected to produce high winds in much of the state.
The state is warning residents about the incoming severe weather, with Cal Fire specifically advising those near rivers and bodies of water to be alert on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Expect areas of urban flooding, and rising streams, creeks, and rivers. Stay alert if living near streams and creeks, follow evacuation orders, and be especially cautious driving at night,” the agency said in a tweet.
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Officials have said while the recent weather has not moved the state out of its drought, it is a positive development.
“Big snow totals are always welcome, but we still have a long way to go before the critical April 1 total,” Sean de Guzman, an official from the State’s Department of Water Resources, said at a recent snow survey on how the precipitation totals are affecting the drought prospects.