The western US and Rocky Mountains region are experiencing heavy winds and rain due to a second “atmospheric river” this week. The first one bore down on portions of northern California, Oregon, and Washington on Tuesday.
According to ABC News, the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch starting Friday through Sunday night due to a second “atmospheric river.”
“A series of systems will bring more rain to Northern and Central California now through New Year’s Eve day,” forecasters warned. “While the rain will be light to moderate at times through Friday, this rain will continue to saturate the soils, and prime the pump for potential flooding.”
And then a more significant event is expected Friday night.
“An initial wave of moisture will make its way inland over the Pacific Northwest and parts of California Friday with a potent atmospheric river following on its heel for the end of the week,” the weather service said. “Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected along with heavy mountain snow. Most of the potential impacts are anticipated across central/northern California and parts of southwest Oregon where rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are forecast through early this weekend.”
“These amounts may lead to scattered instances of flash flooding, especially near recent burn scars where the terrain is most susceptible to rapid runoff.”
Meteorologists said that while atmospheric rivers are commonplace in the US west, this week’s storm stood out for its expected length and strength, per the New York Times.
The atmospheric river’s onslaught comes less than one week after a historic winter storm wreaked havoc across the US, causing dozens of deaths – including 34 known fatalities in the Buffalo, New York, region alone. Authorities are continuing to carry out the grim task of searching for victims.
Buffalo’s police chief, Joseph Gramaglia, reportedly said he expects additional bodies will be discovered as snow is moved. “This is painstaking, grueling work,” he told reporters.
