A powerful atmospheric river is set to bring heavy rain and mountain snow to Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. This weather system, known as the “Pineapple Express,” originates near Hawaii and is expected to impact the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding regions.
When Will the Rain Start?
According to meteorologists, the first round of significant rainfall will begin on Friday. Additional waves of moisture will continue through the weekend and into the following workweek. Forecast models predict that over 6 inches of rain could fall in the heaviest hit areas, while the northern Sierra Nevada and the Cascades could see several feet of snow.
What is the Pineapple Express?
The Pineapple Express is a type of atmospheric river that brings warm, moisture-filled air from the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii to the West Coast of the United States. Because this system is warmer than typical winter storms, it will push snowfall levels higher, meaning that lower elevations will receive mostly rain while snow accumulates in the mountains.
Weather Alerts and Flood Risks
Due to the potential for heavy rain and snow, winter weather alerts have been issued across the Rockies and Cascades. Northern California counties are also under Flash Flood Watches. Some rivers in the region are already running high, increasing the chances of flooding if the rainfall is excessive. Additionally, the National Weather Service warns that mudslides and low-lying flooding could occur due to the already wet conditions from previous storms.
How Will This Affect Northern California and Oregon?
The storm is expected to bring widespread rainfall to the Bay Area and areas to the north. Forecasts indicate that at least 6 inches of rain will fall in many places. This could lead to flash flooding in some areas, and emergency officials are monitoring river levels closely.
Impact on Wildfire Areas
While Northern California will get plenty of rain, Southern California is expected to see only light precipitation. This is important because large wildfires have burned thousands of structures in Los Angeles and San Diego counties in recent weeks. Nearly 54% of California is experiencing drought, with some of the worst conditions in wildfire zones.
Even though Southern California will not get heavy rain, the increased humidity will help firefighters by reducing the chances of flare-ups in fire-affected areas.
Residents in affected areas should stay alert for weather updates and prepare for potential flooding, heavy snow, and travel disruptions.
