In a fierce onslaught, the first of two severe storms caused havoc in California on Thursday, drenching the state with heavy rain and unleashing gusty winds. The downpour flooded roads, toppled trees, and disrupted the morning commute in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Anticipating an even more powerful storm on Sunday, officials have issued flash flood warnings and deployed water rescue teams across the state, urging residents to take precautionary measures.

Forecasters had predicted that southern California would bear the brunt of the heavy rain brought by the atmospheric river on Thursday. Specifically, the Los Angeles and San Diego areas were expected to experience significant rainfall, especially in higher elevations. By Thursday morning, a flash flood warning had been issued for a large area of southern Los Angeles county. Additionally, a flood watch was extended into Friday morning for the Bay Area and the central coast due to the potential for river and stream flooding, along with areas affected by previous wildfires.

Hazardous coastal conditions were also expected, with the central coast projecting waves reaching heights of up to 18 feet (5.4 meters) on Thursday and Friday. Multiple power outages and coastal flooding were already reported in Humboldt county on Wednesday, as heavy rainfall reached over 2 inches (5 cm), breaking daily records.

In preparation for the extreme weather, the governor's office of emergency services has teamed up with fire departments and counties to station water rescue teams across the state. On Thursday morning, firefighters in Orange county successfully rescued a man from a storm channel. In a safety precaution, service on San Francisco's famed cable cars was temporarily suspended, and Pacifica, a coastal city in San Mateo county, experienced over an inch (2.5 cm) of rain within an hour.

This severe storm follows a week of flash flooding and destructive weather that struck California. The upcoming storm, known as the "bomb cyclone" due to its potential for rapid deepening of a spinning low-pressure system, is projected to be even stronger. Climate scientist Daniel Swain warns of a potential major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of northern California, along with heavy but brief rainfall.

California's office of emergency services has described the situation as a "significant threat to the safety of Californians," stretching from the Oregon line to San Diego and encompassing the coast and mountain regions. Last winter, California was plagued by a series of atmospheric rivers that caused extensive flooding, massive waves, and heavy snowfall resulting in tragic fatalities.

As the state braces for the incoming "bomb cyclone" and the potential for extended threats over the coming week, residents are urged to stay vigilant, heed warnings, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.