Extreme Flood Risk Prompts Multiple Immediate Flash Flood Warnings in California

The majority of California is currently under multiple immediate Flash Flood Warnings due to the increased likelihood of an extreme flood.

Another Atmospheric River, Extreme Flood

Another atmospheric river is slamming into the West Coast, battering California once more with heavy rain and snow at high elevations. The Golden State is at extremely high risk of experiencing extremely severe flooding on Friday.

Central and Northern California could see several inches of rain, with amounts rising in the mountainous regions that were just dusted with snow. Forecasters are concerned that additional flooding issues will result from rain falling on those snow-covered areas. Additional snowfall of several inches is possible above 7,000 feet.

Winter Storm, 8-Inch Snow

For the most part, the Northeast has experienced a relatively snowless winter, but two storms that are headed toward the area may change that for some. The first is expected to move through Friday and might cause up to 8 inches of snow to fall on some areas of northern Pennsylvania and western New York by Saturday. By early next week, the potential winter storm could make its way into the area and dump a lot of snow in areas inland, FOX News reports.

Severe Weather Weekend

Forecasters have issued a warning for severe weather this weekend, as well as a winter storm predicted to pull in heavy snow, rain, and the potential for flooding to parts of the state.

The storm is anticipated to bring a burst of heavy precipitation to the West Coast, especially California, through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

With severe, widespread flash flooding anticipated with the storm, the weather service's Weather Prediction Center has issued a heightened risk of intense rainfall over most of California through Saturday morning, according to reports from NBC News.

The NWS issued a warning that lives and property are in grave danger from Friday night into Saturday morning in areas that do not typically experience flash flooding.

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Weather Alerts in California

Multiple immediate Flash Flood Warnings are in effect over most parts of California, according to the long list of weather alerts posted by the National Weather Service on their website.

The Salinas River is expected to reach a minor flood stage in areas close to Paso Robles. According to the National Weather Service, flooding in and around Atascadero is anticipated at a river stage of 29 feet, with effects on nearby Highway 41 and Halcon Road. The Paso Robles area may experience flood effects, though this is uncertain. The Flash Flood Warning for this area will remain until tomorrow afternoon, or early afternoon.

Meanwhile, in Southwestern Fresno County in central California, the said weather alert will last until 4 PM PST today. Doppler radar indicates that there will likely be a lot of rain in the warned area. Heavy rains are causing flash flooding, which is already happening or will start soon.

Officials issue flood warnings for urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, in addition to other low-lying, poorly drained areas. Flash flooding will occur in a few places, including Coalinga, Huron, and Spanish Lake.

California also has several Winter Storm and Avalanche Warnings in effect.