An atmospheric river aka ‘Pineapple Express’ is expected to bring heavy rains, winds and snow until Tuesday|@alex_gurkin|X
A historic and rapidly intensifying storm is pounding the western coast, unleashing heavy rain, snow, wind and flooding in California. At least 23 deaths have been reported.
In the Bay Area and central coasts, winds ranging from 50 to 80 mph downed trees onto homes, cars and power lines, leaving over 900,000 customers without power.
Evacuation orders were issued in Ventura County, some steep parts of Los Angeles, and 630 homes in Santa Barbara.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for eight counties, including Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
Other impacts
The Santa Barbara Airport has been closed due to worsening flood conditions. Flight delays and cancellations are accumulating at major airports.
The National Weather Service has issued a level 4 out of 4 “high” risk of flash flooding and excessive rainfall between Santa Barbara and Orange counties.
Fueled by an atmospheric river known as the “Pineapple Express” that stretches over 2,500 miles all the way from Hawaii, the storm is expected to bring hurricane-force winds, 2 to 8 inches of rain and snowfall, creating a multifaceted weather emergency lasting until Tuesday.