California is experiencing heavy rainfall as a result of repeated atmospheric rivers pounding the West Coast, increasing the danger of flash floods and landslides.
The original system, dubbed the “Pineapple Express” since it formed near Hawai’i in the tropical Pacific, has made landfall in northern California, bringing heavy mountain snow, powerful winds, and rockslides. According to the National Weather Service, a tree fell on a house in Saratoga, injuring one person.
As the storm continued to pound Southern California, notably San Diego County, a flood alert was issued until 10 a.m. on Friday. A second storm is expected to hit California over the weekend, maybe more powerful. Models predict intensification as it reaches the California coast, a process known as bombogenesis in which a low-pressure system quickly deepens.
Recognizing the increased risk, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center, moving personnel and equipment to locations most vulnerable to severe weather.