California Faces Severe Storm with Strong Winds, Heavy Rain, and Snow

An atmospheric river is bringing hazardous weather conditions statewide, prompting warnings, power outages, and emergency preparations.

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings, wind advisories, and flood watches across nearly all of California as an atmospheric river impacts the state.
High-elevation areas are expected to receive up to four feet of snow, while heavy rain and strong winds, with gusts up to 65 mph, are affecting travel and causing power outages.
Evacuation warnings and road closures, including parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, have been announced in Southern California due to risks of flooding and debris flows in wildfire-affected areas.
State emergency services have deployed over 400 personnel, including swift-water rescue teams, to respond to potential storm-related incidents.
A recent study highlights that atmospheric rivers are becoming larger, wetter, and more frequent due to climate change, increasing the risks of extreme weather events in the future.