Newsweek
"California Will Face 'Years' of Recovery From Historic Storms, Mayor Warns"
Story by Matthew Impelli
6 FEBRUARY 2024
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria warned on Monday that parts of California could be facing "years" of recovery from a series of historic storms that resulted in flooding and widespread damage.
"This is not a day or a week-long thing," Gloria said while on CNN's News Central.
"This is a weeks, months, even years recovery."
"That's why we've put out the call for assistance."
"We are not used to this kind of rain in San Diego, we're used to perfect weather and so this is really complicating our response efforts," Gloria added.
The context:
On Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Diego warned of severe rainfall and widespread flooding in different parts of the city.
"Rain totals have increased for northern areas, where locally catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is expected for Orange County, western parts of the Inland Empire, and SBD Mtn coastal slopes," NWS San Diego wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
In an update on Monday morning, NWS San Diego said rainfall amounts could reach 14 inches in some areas of Southern California and noted that "locally catastrophic flash and urban flooding impacts are possible across Los Angeles."
"Powerful, damaging onshore winds shift to Southern California tonight."
"Further power outages and downed trees are likely."
"Potentially damaging high surf is expected for the Central and Southern California coasts through Monday," the update added.
What we know:
On Sunday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for several counties, including San Diego.
"The emergency proclamation includes provisions authorizing a California National Guard response if tasked, facilitating unemployment benefits for impacted residents, and making it easier for out-of-state contractors and utilities to repair storm damage," Newsom's office said.
Newsweek was directed to Newsom's announcement on Sunday after reaching out to his office for comment.
Views:
The NWS in Los Angeles also issued warnings to residents for flooding and rainfall.
"EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION UNFOLDING IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS AREA AND AROUND THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS," NWS Los Angeles said in a post on X.
"Life-threatening landslides and additional flash-flooding expected overnight tonight."
"Avoid travel if at all possible."
The NWS in San Diego also warned of an atmospheric river causing the storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines an atmospheric river as "like rivers in the sky," that "transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics."
"When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow," the NOAA states.
What's next:
Officials across California have encouraged residents to avoid travel if possible amid the storms and to follow evacuation alerts when necessary.
"With severe weather still lingering across the state @CAL_OES encourages Californians to stay off the roads if possible."
"If you must drive, visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for the latest road conditions," California's Office of Emergency Services wrote on X.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topst ... 18ec&ei=38