California battered by mudslides and flooding during three-day storm

The storm triggered several landslides throughout the state

Floodwaters rush through Montecito, California on Monday afternoon

A brutal storm that battered California is winding down as of Wednesday morning, with heavy rain beginning to subside.

Much of California was on flood watch on Monday and Tuesday as some regions approach ten inches of total rainfall while bracing for floods and landslides.

Road blockages, landslides and toppled trees have already been reported in and around Los Angeles. A massive tree also crashed in a Los Angeles neighbourhood on Monday, damaging parked vehicles and downing power lines.

Officials warned Californians to avoid road travel and prepare for power outages, mud or rock slides and coastal flooding. Portions of the US-101 and Pacific Coast Highway were blocked on Monday as rainfall intensified and floodwaters rushed onto the major roadway.

Meanwhile, Santa Barbara County officials issued evacuation warnings for some waterfront neighbourhoods, which could persist through Wednesday.

Many parts of California are already saturated from the heavy rain after a storm earlier this month caused hundreds of landslides so far.

Key Points

• Entire Bay Area under flood watch
• Mudslide damages roadside fence in Los Angeles
• SEE IT: Massive tree falls in Los Angeles neighbourhood, damaging cars and power lines
• Southern California rainfall total approaches 10 inches in some areas

[21 February 2024 00:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

What are atmospheric rivers, the weather phenomena that left a lasting impact on California?

This week, a swirling low-pressure system is bringing torrential rain, strong winds and heavy snow to the state of California.

That storm, set to last through Wednesday, means an increased risk of devastating mudslides — a hazard worsened by a historic atmospheric river that passed through California earlier this month.

In early February, a deadly Pacific storm, the second “Pineapple Express” weather system to sweep the West Coast in just a few days, dumped torrential rain over Southern California, triggering street flooding and mudslides throughout the region. The event killed at least nine people and caused 400 mudslides in Los Angeles alone.

Thanks to the torrential downpour, the California soils are over-saturated, leaving them prone to slides.

The storms that have pummeled California both in early February and this week have been caused by what is known as atmospheric rivers.

Here’s a look at the phenomenon:

[21 February 2024 01:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

ICYMI: Up to 35% chance of Sacramento-area thunderstorms tonight

From noon to 8 pm local time, there will be a 15 - 35 per cent chance of severe thunderstorms in the Sacramento area, according to the National Weather Service.

These storms could bring high winds, hail and even funnel clouds — however, not all funnel clouds will turn into tornadoes.

The National Weather Service said tornadoes are possible in northern California today (National Weather Service)

[21 February 2024 02:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

SEE IT: Satellite imagery of ‘firehose of moisture’ over California

[21 February 2024 03:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

ICYMI: Southern California rainfall total approaches 10 inches in some areas

Sunday through Monday, nearly 10 inches of rain fell in Santa Barbara County, California, according to the National Weather Service. Other nearby counties mostly saw 6-8 inches of rain.

Several Santa Barbara County neighbourhoods are under evacuation warnings as rain continues, bringing threats of flash floods.

[21 February 2024 04:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

ICYMI: Watch as high surf slams California’s Bay Area coast

The entire Bay Area was under flash flooding alerts on Tuesday.

[21 February 2024 05:01 · Katie Hawkinson]

ICYMI: Mapped: California cities seeing torrential downpours, flash floods and mudslides

Millions of people in California are currently under weather alerts as a devastating rainstorm brings flash flooding, toppled trees and landslides to much of the state.

The storm is expected to calm by Wednesday.

[21 February 2024 07:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

What are supercells, the weather phenomena that formed over California?

Supercells formed over California on Monday, worsening an already severe weather situation in the state.

Supercells are storm systems that generate rotating winds and a strong updraft — meaning they can cause both hail and tornadoes in the regions they impact.

However, as of Tuesday, no tornadoes appear to have been reported or confirmed in California as a result of this week’s storm

[21 February 2024 09:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

SEE IT: Floodwaters rush through town in Santa Barbara County

[21 February 2024 11:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

Mudslide closes portion of State Route 150

A mudslide has caused officials to close a portion of State Route 150 in Ventura County, according to the California Department of Transportation.

Officials are working to remove the landslide blocking a portion of State Route 150 (California Department of Transportation)

[21 February 2024 12:00 · Katie Hawkinson]

ICYMI: Iconic seaside wedding location closes its doors due to destructive landslides

Wayfarer Chapel, an iconic wedding venue on California’s coast, closed its doors due to landslides in the area.

“Effective immediately, we are extremely devastated to announce the closure of Wayfarers Chapel and its surrounding property due to the accelerated land movement in our local area,” the venue said in a statement on Instagram.

The chapel has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for restoring the venue and surrounding land.

This announcement comes as a series of storms this month triggered hundreds of landslides across California, with one atmospheric river causing 400 in Los Angeles alone.