California is being hit by a "bomb storm cyclone" from the Pacific, which has been dumping heavy rains and snow to several feet. This wild weather could follow a summer of drought and wildfires and could bring flooding, mudslides, and debris flow to the dry and wildfire-ravaged Golden State.
"Bomb cyclone" refers the rapid intensification process called "bombogenesis" which forms them. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, such storms are when the pressure in the center of the storm drops by at least 24 milibars (an atmospheric pressure measurement) within 24 hours.
The bomb cyclone is now merged with an atmospheric river of Category 5 giant, flowing clouds of moist air.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, atmospheric rivers like tornadoes and hurricanes are rated according to their potential damage. A Category 5 is the strongest or most dangerous, and can cause flooding, gusty winds and mudslides.
On Sunday, October 24, the National Weather Service (NWS), Sacramento issued numerous warnings about extreme rainfall, flooding, and debris flows. Rainfall may reach double digits in some areas.
This morning, there is a lot of rain. This won't change, heavy rains and strong winds are predicted for today. Recent burn scars may lead to debris flows and road flooding. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/EzddtRTzC4 NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) October 24, 2021
According to The Washington Post, flash flood watches have been put in place for most of Central California and Northern California. Sacramento saw its first rain since March 19, ending an 220-day drought without any precipitation. The region will now receive more than half of a foot of rain.
Near-tornado winds and hurricane-force winds may be experienced in the Pacific Northwest or Northern California. Waves can also be seen crashing onto the shoreline up to 20 feet (6 metres) high.
The Bay Area will be subject to a deluge from Monday to Monday (Oct. 25). Oakland could experience record-breaking water levels in its atmospheric column (known by Precipitable WATer Value or PWAT); and up to 5 to 8 inches (12-20 centimeters), of rain may fall in Sierra Nevada's mountain range.
According to the NWS, flash floods have been reported in areas that were previously subjected to severe wildfires like the Caldor and Dixie fires.
A Category 5 'atmospheric River' has been created when a bomb cyclone and a bomb cyclone have merged. (NOAA).
According to The Washington Post, it's not common for a storm to occur so early in the season. This left emergency personnel with little time to plan as they had to fight the wildfires that plagued California for most of 2021.
These fires can also increase the possibility of flooding and mudslides. According to NWS, soil that would normally absorb rainfall can become as water-repellent as pavement after a fire. According to NWS, water that falls downhill can cause erosion, pick up silt, rocks, and ash and burnt vegetation. Once there is regrowth, wildfire burns will begin to heal.
Amy East, a Santa Cruz-based research geologist, said that because of the timing of such a storm, 2021's burn scars had not had much chance for vegetation recovery. She wrote this email to The Washington Post.
"The Dixie Fire is still burning, and this area is only showing the beginning of plant growth."
Live Science originally published this article. You can read the original article here.
