SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KSWB) – As San Diego County suffers major flooding from a winter storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) said another “impact” atmospheric river is likely on the way.
For those who are not familiar with the term, an atmospheric river refers to a flowing column of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere responsible for producing large amounts of rain and snow.
The weather event is expected to move south along the West Coast from January 31 to February 5, bringing heavy rain and high winds to the Golden State, weather officials said. For mountainous areas at higher elevations, the NWS said heavy snow is expected.
To start February, the NWS said there is a 60-80% chance of above-normal precipitation along the West Coast — from southern Oregon through California — and into the Great Basin as well as the Desert Southwest.
Between Jan. 31 and Feb. 5, the NWS said there was a high risk — greater than a 60% chance — of “dangerous” and “heavy” rainfall forecasts across California. This may lead to localized flooding, especially in areas that have recently experienced heavy rains.
This atmospheric river will likely bring with it hazardous onshore winds, which the NWS expects to impact the West Coast during the same time frame. Meteorological officials warned that this could lead to coastal erosion due to persistent high waves.
Given that these are long-term projected projections, the NWS explained that specific impacts remain unclear for any particular location in this extended range.
