The U.S. National Weather Service issued stark warnings Wednesday about an extreme weather system threatening large swaths of the U.S. West Coast, with Los Angeles and much of Southern California facing the risk of flash floods and potentially the most severe storms in years. The warnings come as the state braces for torrential rains.
The “pineapple train” phenomenon and atmospheric rivers
This powerful storm is fueled by what's known as the "Pineapple Express," a type of atmospheric flow that carries massive amounts of water vapor and tropical moisture from the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean directly to the U.S. West Coast. This phenomenon is a double-edged sword; while it helps replenish reservoirs, its current intensity threatens to bring several months' worth of rainfall in just a few days.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly declared a state of emergency in several counties, most notably Los Angeles. This proactive measure aims to facilitate the rapid mobilization of the National Guard, allocate the necessary financial and logistical resources to address potential disasters, and ensure a swift response for rescue operations.
Risks of mudslides in fire zones
This storm is doubly dangerous due to the terrain in Southern California, particularly in areas recently ravaged by wildfires such as the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Geologists and climate experts point out that burned soil loses its ability to absorb water, becoming water-repellent surfaces that increase the speed of surface runoff. This, in turn, raises the likelihood of devastating mudslides and rockfalls that sweep away everything in their path.
The effects of the storm have already begun to appear, as Los Angeles residents woke up to scenes of uprooted trees blocking main roads, minor flooding in low-lying areas, and power outages affecting thousands of homes due to the strong winds that coincided with the Christmas holiday.
Warnings of a life-threatening danger
For his part, meteorologist Ariel Cohen warned the media about the developing weather conditions, saying, “From Wednesday night through Friday, many areas are likely to experience significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides, particularly in mountainous regions and along roads that cross valleys.” Forecasts indicate the possibility of up to 30.5 centimeters of rain in some areas.
The authorities concluded their warnings by urging residents to exercise extreme caution, as shelters were opened throughout the region to receive those who had been ordered to evacuate, with strong advice for travelers to reconsider their plans during the holiday period to protect their lives.
