California is experiencing significant rainfall due to consecutive atmospheric rivers hitting the West Coast, heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides.
The initial system, known as the “Pineapple Express” because of its origin near Hawai’i in the tropical Pacific, has made landfall, bringing heavy mountain snow, strong winds, and rockslides to northern California. In Saratoga, an incident occurred where a person was injured when a tree fell on a house, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Southern California, particularly San Diego County, was placed under a flood advisory until 10 am on Friday as the storm extended its impact.
A second storm is anticipated to reach California over the weekend, potentially being more potent. Models indicate the possibility of intensification as it approaches the California coast, a phenomenon known as bombogenesis, where a low-pressure system rapidly deepens.
Recognizing the heightened risk, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has activated its operations center, deploying personnel and equipment to areas most vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.