All articles tagged with #debris flows
A powerful winter storm will soak Los Angeles and much of Southern California through midweek, bringing heavy rain, potential thunderstorms, and flood risks, plus mountain snow; burn-scar areas face debris-flow threats with evacuation warnings in effect, road closures (including Topanga Canyon) and preparations for travel disruptions as Grapevine conditions loom, before improving by late week.
An atmospheric river storm hit Southern California, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flood risks, especially in burn scar areas prone to debris flows. Evacuations and warnings are in place, with potential for tornadoes, mudslides, and power outages. The storm caused road closures and prompted emergency preparedness efforts, but conditions are expected to improve by Thursday.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for parts of Santa Barbara County, including areas along waterways associated with burn areas, as another storm is set to move into Southern California, bringing the potential for flash flooding, debris flows, and landslides. The heavy rainfall is likely to begin Sunday night and continue through Wednesday, with the evacuation warnings possibly being upgraded to orders unless there are significant changes to the forecast.
A bomb cyclone, fueled by an atmospheric river, is set to bring heavy rain to the Pacific Northwest, with 3-5 inches expected in coastal areas and up to 8 inches in higher elevations. This storm system meets the criteria for a bomb cyclone, with a significant drop in central pressure. The region is preparing for the first atmospheric river of the season, which could cause debris flows in areas affected by recent wildfires. The storm is occurring during an El Niño year, increasing the likelihood of atmospheric river events.
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has successfully reached Gediz Vallis Ridge, a formation believed to be a remnant of powerful ancient debris flows that occurred three billion years ago during one of Mars' last wet periods. The ridge, which preserves evidence of the planet's watery past, was previously inaccessible due to challenging terrain. Curiosity's arrival at the ridge allows scientists to study rocks that were transported from higher up on Mount Sharp, providing valuable insights into Martian history. The rover has also captured images of the eroded remnants of a debris flow fan, contributing to our understanding of these geological features on both Mars and Earth. Curiosity is now preparing to explore the channel above the ridge to learn more about the flow of water on Mount Sharp.
Southern California experienced rainfall, snow, and isolated reports of lightning due to storms on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The National Weather Service estimated 0.5 to 1 inch of rain in coastal and valley areas and 1 to 2 inches in mountain and foothill areas. High-elevation areas received up to 6 inches of snow, and up to 14 inches in isolated areas. The threat of debris flows over recent burn areas is minimal to non-existent. Scattered showers and some sunshine are expected in the afternoon.