California Experiences Wet Winter Storm, Closing Regional Airports and Raising Risk of Flooding

flooding in california winter storm california

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Feb 20, 05:07 am

Photo: (Photo : Mario Tama/Getty Images )

The Santa Barbara airport, located on California's central coast, closed down on Monday due to heavy rainfall, reaching up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) by noon, causing the runways to be wrapped in water.

Winter Storm Caused Airports To Close, Cancelled Flights in California

Airport officials communicated the closure and disruptions through a social media statement, announcing the cancellation of commercial flights, the suspension of general aviation operations, and the closure of the terminal.

The U.S. National Weather Service had previously cautioned about the potential for "significant flooding" along California's central coast, predicting up to 5 inches (12 cm) of rain in many areas and isolated totals of 10 inches (25 cm) in the Santa Lucia and Santa Ynez mountain ranges as the storm progressed toward greater Los Angeles.

Unlike the lingering atmospheric river that affected Southern California earlier in the month, causing extensive damage and casualties, this storm was anticipated to move through more swiftly.

Although moderate showers were reported on Monday afternoon, forecasters expected more rain to impact the state through the night and into Tuesday.

The storm had already prompted various rescues, including incidents in San Luis Obispo County and Sloughhouse. There were reports of firemen rescuing individuals from rising waters in rivers and creeks, as well as preparing for swift-water relief.

The Sacramento weather service issued a warning of possible serious weather, including abrupt tornadoes, small hail, heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds in valleys around the state capital.

People in multiple regions were advised to intently monitor the weather, with flood watches and warnings issued for coastal and mountain areas statewide.

Forecasters predicted the storm's strength could lead to obstacles such as flash flooding and power outages.

Additionally, they advised of several feet of snow at ascent above 6,800 feet (2,070 meters) in the Sierra Nevada, urging motorists to escape mountain routes.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services took ardent measures by energizing its operations center and deploying personnel and equipment to high-danger areas.

California Storm Could Bring Flooding, Strong Winds

The most recent installment in a series of wet winter storms intensified in California early Monday, with forecasters cautioning about potential flooding, hail, strong winds, and even brief tornadoes as the system progresses southward over the next few days.

Wind gusts exceeded 30 mph (48 kph) in Oakland and San Jose as a mild cold front late Saturday transitioned into a more potent storm on Sunday, as reported by meteorologist Brayden Murdock from the National Weather Service office in San Francisco.

Murdock stated on Sunday afternoon, "The winds are here and getting stronger, and the rains will follow quickly."

The central coast of California faces a risk of "significant flooding," with the weather service predicting up to 5 inches (12 cm) of rain in numerous areas.

The Santa Lucia and Santa Ynez mountain ranges could experience isolated rainfall totals of 10 inches (25 cm) as the storm moves towards greater Los Angeles.

Thunderstorms in valleys near the state capital on Monday could bring "brief tornadoes, large amounts of small hail, heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds," as warned by the Sacramento weather service.

People in different regions, including Sacramento, Chico, Yuba City, Stockton, and Modesto, were advised to firmly monitor the weather, with firemen already performing rescues due to flood-related occurrences.

In Sloughhouse, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southeast of Sacramento, two people were rescued from the roof of their vehicle stranded in floodwaters.

In El Dorado Hills, northeast of Sacramento, a man camping in the area was saved from a tree as floodwaters rose, according to El Dorado Hills Deputy Fire Chief Dave Brady speaking to KCRA-TV.