California Faces Flood Watches as New Storms Approach

California is bracing for more severe weather as a pair of storms are expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to parts of the state, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for several areas, with the first storm already bringing rain to northern California and snow to the northern Rockies.

AccuWeather forecasters are predicting a more widespread storm to reach the coast on Sunday, with the central coast expected to be hit the hardest. This storm is expected to bring rain into Monday and then move into Southern California, including Los Angeles, by Tuesday. The National Weather Service warns of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible power outages in the Los Angeles area, while the Bay Area could see flooding and landslides from excessive runoff.

Although these storms are not expected to be as severe as the ones earlier this month, which caused significant flooding and mudslides, they come as the state is still recovering from those events. Flood watches will be in effect for San Francisco and Los Angeles from Sunday through Wednesday morning.

The recent storms have already had a significant impact on the region. Earlier this month, nearly 500 mudslides were reported in the Los Angeles area, resulting in at least nine deaths. Similar storms in January 2023 claimed the lives of at least 20 people across the state.

AccuWeather reports that rainfall totals in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Los Angeles have been 170% higher than usual from December 1 to February 17. This increase in rainfall has heightened the risk of flooding and landslides in the region.

Amidst the storm-related news, a Southern California mansion made headlines when a nearby landslide created the impression that the home was at risk of falling off a cliff. However, officials have since clarified that the home is not in danger.

As California prepares for these new storms, residents are urged to take precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates to ensure their safety.