California is bracing itself for another week of stormy weather as two atmospheric rivers are set to hit the state, bringing heavy rainfall and increasing the risk of flooding and mudslides. The first storm system is expected to arrive on Saturday in Northern California, bringing intense rain from Eureka to Santa Rosa. Flood watches have been issued across the region as the storm could bring up to an inch of rain per hour, resulting in a total of 3-4 inches along the coast.

San Francisco is also expected to experience heavy rain, with showers anticipated to start on Friday evening and persist through Tuesday. The city is likely to receive around 1-3 inches of rainfall in total. Meanwhile, the atmospheric river is projected to move south on Sunday, extending to just north of Los Angeles.

On Monday, the second storm is predicted to hit Southern California, with heavy rain anticipated from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles. Flood watches will be in effect from Sunday evening through Wednesday, as the region faces an increased risk of land and mudslides. Santa Barbara should expect the heaviest rain from Sunday to Monday, with an estimated 2-5 inches of rainfall. Los Angeles will also experience rainy conditions from Sunday to Wednesday, with areas of lower elevation anticipated to receive about 2-5 inches of rain, while 4-8 inches are expected in the foothills and mountains.

In addition to the heavy rainfall, the Sierras are expected to receive 1-2 feet of snow, while Mount Shasta could see 1-3 inches. This combination of rain and snow poses further challenges and increases the risk of flooding and avalanches in the affected areas.

These storms follow a similar atmospheric river event that occurred in Southern California just last week, which resulted in days of heavy rain causing floods and mudslides. The state also experienced power outages due to downed trees and utility lines, and sadly, three individuals lost their lives in incidents related to fallen trees during the storm.

Atmospheric rivers are common weather phenomena along the West Coast, with their rainfall playing a crucial role in the annual water supply and flood risks. However, with climate change warming the planet, these storms are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing even greater hazards. Research suggests that by 2090, they could cause damages ranging from $2.3 billion to $3.2 billion annually.

As California prepares for the impending storms, residents are urged to stay informed, heed any evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and protect their properties from potential flooding and landslides.