A segment of US Route 101 near Last Chance Grade in Del Norte County, California, has been fully closed due to a rock slide, emphasizing the dangerous conditions already present. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced the closure following the incident on Friday, February 16.

Officials in Santa Barbara County, northwest of Los Angeles, issued Evacuation Warnings on Saturday in anticipation of the incoming atmospheric river storm. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and potential flash floods across various regions in California starting Sunday. The Fox Forecast Center reported that this atmospheric river event is likely to be the most impactful yet, with a prolonged duration that could exacerbate flooding risks.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has highlighted significant flooding risks for Northern and Central California, including cities such as Eureka, Fort Bragg, and San Francisco. Moreover, the Santa Ynez and Santa Lucia mountain ranges in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey counties have been placed under a Level 3/4 risk of flooding.

More than 35 million people in California are currently under a Flood Watch as the storm approaches, urging residents to prepare for potential hazards. The atmospheric river is expected to linger over the state for several days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall affecting various regions from Northern California to Southern California.

As authorities and residents alike brace for the impending storm, caution and preparedness are paramount to ensuring safety and mitigating potential risks associated with the severe weather event. Stay tuned for updates and follow local authorities' guidelines to stay safe during this challenging weather period.