California braces for another atmospheric river after once-in-a-generation storm

This week, California braced for another atmospheric river hit, expected to bring threats of flooding, snow and slashing winds after deadly winter weather has kept residents in their mountain homes for more than a week.

The National Weather Service said the storm will bring heavy rain, sleet at high altitudes will make travel difficult, and heavy rain could be a factor contributing to rapid snowmelt.

There are moderate risks of excessive precipitation on Thursday and Friday over central California, with numerous widespread wind advisories in effect for northern and central California. Wind gusts can reach speeds of 40 to 50 mph at lower altitudes and up to 70 mph at higher altitudes.

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A view of a flooded street in Menlo Park as a rainstorm hits San Francisco and the Bay Area, California on February 27, 2023. (Typhoon Koskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

The Bay Area Office of the National Weather Service tweeted that river flooding was a concern in the Santa Cruz Mountains across northern Monterey County and warned that strong winds could blow away trees and lead to road closures and power outages.

In Los Angeles, the office warned residents never to drive on flooded roads and warned of a growing avalanche danger in the higher mountains.

It all comes as Californians in the southern mountains struggle to recover from a once-in-a-generation weather event.

Mounds of snow cover the sides of the main road leading out of the mountains after a series of storms on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Lake Arrowhead. Californians are still scrambling to dig up and get their hands on emergency supplies after last month’s record-breaking snowstorm. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

FOX 11 reported Wednesday, citing San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Deekus, that the death toll stands at 11, but only one of them is a direct result of the hurricanes. There were conflicting reports about the death toll and the official noted that “there is a lot of misinformation”.

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The Los Angeles Times reported 12 deaths – according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – noting that only the traffic accident was weather-related.

Members of the Cal Fire Crew clear snow from the roof of the city’s post office following a series of storms on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Crestline, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Snow piled up high above ground floor windows, and those who could get out struggled through it to buy groceries or pick up groceries at the distribution center. Roofs have collapsed, roads have been blocked, gas leaks and hurricane-related fires are possible. Power also went out in many communities.

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Communities in the San Bernardino Mountains are likely to avoid another heavy snowfall as volunteers work to clear underground lots and driveways.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.