Just weeks after enduring storms and devastating wildfires – the worse in generations, the State of California is bracing for another disaster.
The “strongest storm of the winter” is currently hitting California, USA. Authorities are warning of a high risk of flooding in urban areas.
This phenomenon, often occurring in California, is due to what’s known as an “atmospheric river”, a gigantic rain corridor that transports water vapour stored in the tropics around Hawaii.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittel warned: “This is a strong storm, certainly the strongest of this winter season. There’s a high risk of flooding, particularly in and around roads and urban areas, as well as a significant risk of debris flows.”
Faced with this risky situation, the Californian authorities are advising the population living in the vicinity of recently burnt areas to prepare for any possible evacuation.
Soils weakened by the flames cause rainwater to run off more quickly, creating major mudslides. Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, stressed that all “city departments are on high alert.”
The fires that ravaged the city a few weeks ago have weakened neighbourhoods located in the hills, where sloping terrain poses a threat during heavy rains.
The American media, alarmed by the seriousness of the phenomenon, are sounding the alarm. The Los Angeles Times headlined one of its articles: “Prepare for the worst.”
The storm is likely to intensify soon..
“Everyone is advised to stay off the roads as much as possible on Thursday and Thursday night,” Kittel said. “Of course, we’re concerned about (Pacific) Palisades and the burned areas, but it’s the whole of Los Angeles that needs to be concerned about the rain and its consequences,” insists Bass.
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