California is bracing itself for a potentially historic storm that has put the state on high alert. Forecasters and officials are warning of life-threatening damage, issuing evacuation orders and warnings in several counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Monterey. The slow-moving nature of the weather system poses an increased risk of flooding, with high rainfall totals and strong winds expected.

According to meteorologist Ryan Kittell of the National Weather Service office for Los Angeles, this storm is predicted to be even stronger than Tropical Storm Hilary last August, especially in the lower elevations of Southern California. Unlike Hilary, which primarily affected inland areas and deserts, this storm is focused on the coastal side of the mountains, where many populated areas are located.

Kittell advised people to avoid traveling on roads in Los Angeles and Ventura counties from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Even if the rain subsides on Monday, the heavy overnight rainfall will likely cause lingering flooding issues. He urged those who can work from home to do so and emphasized the importance of staying off the freeways.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown stated that this storm has the potential to be one of the largest and most significant in the county's history. The goal is to navigate through the storm without any fatalities or serious injuries.

As of Sunday, around 1,000 Southern California Edison customers were without power, while Pacific Gas & Electric's territory had 127,000 customers without power. The storm's impact could surpass that of a powerful storm that hit in January 2023, leading to mass evacuations, flooding, and significant damage in Santa Barbara County.

The risk of landslides is a major concern for officials, especially in areas where slopes have already become saturated. Geologists are warning of potential sediment mobilization, heightening the risk of landslides during the storm.

The National Weather Service declared a "high risk for flash flooding," a rare designation used only a few times nationwide each year. Meteorologist Ariel Cohen emphasized the dangerous situation in the Santa Barbara area, warning residents to be at a high state of readiness and take necessary precautions to protect their lives.

The storm has prompted rare warnings, including a "hurricane force wind warning" off the Central California coast. This warning, which has not been issued for decades off the California coast, highlights the severity of the storm's winds.

Additionally, there is a possibility of tornadoes in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.

While the storm initially hit the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, Southern California and the Central Coast are expected to experience the most significant rainfall. Los Angeles County, along with Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties, were designated as having the highest weather risk level.

Heavy snowfall is anticipated in the mountains, and strong gusts could lead to downed trees and power lines.

Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and avoid nonessential travel during the storm's peak. Nancy Ward, director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, emphasized the dangers of storms, which claim more lives than wildfires each year. She urged people to stay away from flooded areas and highlighted the speed at which water can pose a significant risk.

Several rivers in California, including the Ventura River, the San Diego River, the Guadalupe River, the Carmel River, and the Russian River, are expected to hit flood stage. Additionally, 16 river systems may reach flood monitor stage.

As experts have noted, the warm ocean waters contributing to this storm's intensity offer a glimpse into California's future in a warming world. The storm's arrival through an atmospheric river, a plume of water vapor likened to a river in the sky, underscores the increased likelihood of heavy downpours in the state.

As the storm continues to impact California, residents are advised to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders and warnings, and prioritize their safety in the face of this potentially historic event.