General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCalifornia facing possibility of catastrophic flooding today and tomorrow
From meteorologist/climate journalist Eric Holthaus:
"If you have family or friends in northern or central Californiaplease get in touch with them on Monday morning, or sooner. The seriousness of the potential flood that is inbound on Monday and Tuesday cannot be overstated.
I just got off the phone with a NWS meteorologist at the Sacramento office, Bill Rasch, and he said they are increasingly concerned about the potential for the incoming atmospheric river to cause substantial or even historic flooding with little immediate notice. They are urging people to prepare to evacuate with less than 15 minutes warning, and expecting flooding in places that haven't flooded in "many years." As far as the this sort of dire wording, they have tentative plans to "take it up a notch" tomorrowthis is the real deal, a situation that likely hasn't hit California in decades, or maybe much longer.
Here's what is causing so much concern: If the atmospheric river stalls, there could be up to a foot of rain in a span of about 36 hours over places that are already floodingthat's a rainfall intensity that isn't expected more than once a century, or even more rare. At risk is the vast network of levees and dams and diversions that literally make modern California what it is, and protect hundreds of thousands of people. If this system is compromised, the scale of disaster would be among the worst in U.S. history. A dire 2011 New York Times magazine piece outlines the scenario. It's not pretty.
The implications of this flood would be huge: If the levee system is breached, Sacramento could have 30ft of flooding, and much of the state's water delivery system could be paralyzed by an influx of saltwater, including much of southern California. Two-thirds of people in the state could lose fresh water. That's not to mention the potential loss of life. Of course, this is not a given based on the latest weather forecastbut the fact that it can't be ruled out should cause everyone in the region to pay close attention."
http://tinyletter.com/sciencebyericholthaus/letters/today-in-weather-climate-california-flood-emergency-edition-monday-february-20th
Link to tweet
riversedge
(70,299 posts)femmedem
(8,207 posts)PearliePoo2
(7,768 posts)I worry and care about all the people and what about the poor animals?
femmedem
(8,207 posts)But if I were in a low-lying area in northern California I wouldn't be waiting for an evacuation order.
One bit of good news: Holthaus may be wrong about the threat to the water supply. Christina Toms, a wetlands scientist working for California's EPA, has replied to Holthaus's tweet, saying that even if levees go, there isn't much risk of mixing of fresh and salty water.
mopinko
(70,213 posts)where would this salty water be coming from?
femmedem
(8,207 posts)but saline levels fluctuate seasonally. Or at least that's my understanding. I have never been to the West Coast, so I hope I have the geography correct.
https://mavensnotebook.com/dpg/KeyConcepts/Salinity.html
samnsara
(17,635 posts)..and they fare better than us. Just as long as they aren't chained up...
Kablooie
(18,641 posts)The entire Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys were inundated. An area about 300 miles (480 km) long, averaging 20 miles (32 km) in width,[15] and covering 5,000 to 6,000 square miles (13,000 to 16,000 km2) was under water.[9] The water flooding the Central Valley reached depths up to 30 feet (9.1 m), completely submerging telegraph poles that had just been installed between San Francisco and New York. Transportation, mail, and communications across the state were disrupted for a month.[16] Water covered portions of the valley from December 1861, through the spring, and into the summer of 1862.[9]
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Flood_of_1862
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It's ironic and depressing that Trumps first major crisis to manage could be California needing federal assistance.
muntrv
(14,505 posts)stopbush
(24,396 posts)FailureToCommunicate
(14,020 posts)NBachers
(17,136 posts)smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I can't believe that a head of state would be so petty, but I put nothing past this vindictive, repulsive little tyrant.
roamer65
(36,747 posts)I will say a prayer for you today.
jpak
(41,759 posts)Fill you gas tanks
Charge your phones - text during disaster events
Get food and water (and pet supplies)
Get a radio, flashlight and batteries
Raingear
Clothes for 7 days