“Pineapple Express”: Rain and snow from a Pacific storm batter California

California grapples with formidable weather challenges as the inaugural of two atmospheric rivers, colloquially known as the ‘Pineapple Express,’ releases torrential rains across the state. This meteorological phenomenon, characterized by an extended band of moisture originating over the Pacific and aptly named for its plume reaching back to Hawaii, has already resulted in significant disruptions and damage, with another potent storm anticipated on Sunday.

The initial storm, which first battered the San Francisco Bay Area, redirected its intensity toward Southern California, impacting cities like Los Angeles and San Diego with substantial downpours, affecting daily life and the morning commute. National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec underscores the distinctive interaction of these atmospheric rivers with the West Coast’s topography, often resulting in substantial rainfall.

Communities find themselves at risk due to the storm’s ferocity, leading to distressing incidents such as a girl trapped by a fallen 100-foot redwood tree in Saratoga and widespread flash flooding in southern Los Angeles County. Vital rescue operations, like those conducted by the Orange County Fire Authority, play a crucial role in safeguarding lives amid the chaos.

The storm has triggered flooding, mudflows, and rockslides, resulting in the closure of numerous roads across the region, including a critical tunnel passage connecting Pacific Coast Highway with a freeway in Santa Monica and a significant freeway on-ramp in LA’s San Fernando Valley.

Central Los Angeles witnessed at least 50 spinouts and crashes on Thursday morning, with firefighters rescuing a man trapped in an Orange County flood-control channel. The impact on local communities has been profound, reminiscent of last winter’s catastrophic atmospheric rivers that claimed over 20 lives and caused extensive property damage.

While the Sierra Nevada experiences substantial snowfall crucial for the state’s water supply, it also raises concerns about potential hazards. The looming second atmospheric river amplifies worries about continuous rainfall, snowfall at higher elevations, and the risks of mudslides and catastrophic flooding.

Cities like Long Beach exemplify the destructive capacity of the storm, with flooded freeways and stranded vehicles. Narratives of narrow escapes and heroic rescues underscore the human element amidst natural turmoil. The state, still recovering from last winter’s deadly storms, faces the paradox of atmospheric rivers being vital for addressing drought concerns yet potentially devastating in their immediate impact.

In anticipation of the looming threat, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is on high alert, activating the operations center and strategically positioning personnel and resources. Brian Ferguson, the office’s deputy director of crisis communications, emphasizes the widespread nature of the threat, spanning from Oregon’s border to San Diego, and from coastal regions to mountainous areas.

As California braces for the full impact of these atmospheric rivers, it finds itself at the juncture of immediate crisis management and long-term climate strategy. This highlights the pressing need for adaptive measures and proactive environmental stewardship in the face of an evolving climate landscape, compounded by the increasing frequency and intensity of such phenomena due to broader implications of climate change.