California Faces Intense Rain and Flash Floods This Weekend

UPDATE: California is bracing for severe weather as the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued urgent flood alerts across the state. With heavy rainfall from an ongoing atmospheric river event, residents are urged to prepare for potential flash floods and hazardous conditions.

As of Friday morning, flood watches cover numerous counties from Merced and Mariposa to Kern, including the San Joaquin Valley and coastal regions. The NWS warns that hazardous conditions may arise, particularly in the Inland Empire, Sacramento Valley, and throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Flash flood warnings are active early Friday for portions of Ventura County, with additional advisories impacting areas such as Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and even parts of the Bay Area. The NWS emphasizes the need for caution, as flooding could threaten lives and property.

The NWS has also issued flood advisories for areas including northwestern Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, indicating that while flooding may not be severe, significant inconveniences are likely. Residents in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama, and Yuba Counties should remain vigilant.

The NWS Weather Prediction Center reports that the relentless rainfall will continue through Friday morning, with strong winds and the potential for embedded thunderstorms, especially along coastal areas. “Please listen to emergency officials, stay tuned to local warnings, and have a safe holiday,” the agency advises.

By this weekend, conditions are expected to improve as the last of a series of low-pressure systems moves out of the region. However, the immediate threat of flash flooding remains critical, with more heavy snow anticipated in the high terrain of the Sierra Nevada before tapering off tonight.

For ongoing updates and to check alerts specific to your area, visit the NWS website and follow their social media channels. Stay safe and prepared as California navigates these challenging weather conditions.