Millions face flood threat from latest atmospheric river; ‘There is an absolute huge threat’
SAN FRANCISCO — A strong weather front with an atmospheric flow replete with warm tropical moisture sparked flood fears across Northern California and the state on Thursday.
More than 17 million people in California and parts of Nevada are under flood surveillance. Much of California is at significant risk of excessive rainfall that could inundate locations devastated by severe flooding earlier this year.
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Areas of concern included rivers, streams and waterways in the South Bay and the Russian River near Hopland, according to forecasters.
Over a 22-day period beginning December 26, a series of atmospheric rivers flowed across the Bay Area. The San Lorenzo and Salinas rivers and Pajaro Creek tumbled their banks, flooding neighborhoods.
“Rivers and streams are expected to rise rapidly,” said the weather service on the recent storm front. “Areas of particular concern include the San Lorenzo River near Big Trees, the Pajaro Creek near Dunneville, and the Big Sur River near Big Sur. These areas are expected to enter a moderate flood stage early Friday morning.”
San Francisco officials have urged small businesses to clean out manholes, stock up, use sandbags and ensure equipment is stored properly. They also suggested employers adjust their working hours for worker safety.
In Madera County, Sheriff Tyson Pogue said the warm rain will trigger rapid snowmelt in areas near Yosemite National Park to create a two-pronged threat.
“The big danger here is that not only will this big atmospheric flow come through, but also a huge amount of snow that will melt at the same time,” he said. “So there’s an absolutely huge threat here.”
More than 400 residents of the district had been asked to evacuate their homes as a precaution.
“This gives them ample time to pack up, pack up their essentials, any IDs, medicine, things they need to have for their own survival,” he said.
Ramiro Murrieta’s home and farm were inundated by floodwaters in Gilroy in January. He fears what the last atmospheric flux has in store for his home and family.
“The water took away everything that was here. The tractors were flooded. We have about five feet of water in the house,” Murrieta said.
As the area braces for the arrival of another atmospheric flow, Murrieta and Raul Vega, another Mexican farm worker from the area, said they are incredibly concerned about the impact the coming storm will have on their livelihoods.
“We don’t know what will happen to the land or the plants. Everything is unknown and stressful at the moment,” Murrieta explained.