February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (2024)

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7:24 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Our live coverage for the day has ended. Follow the latest weather newshereor read through the updates below.

5:47 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Here's what to expect for Tuesday's morning commute

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (1)

The worst of the storm occurred on Monday, but rainfall is still forecast for major cities across California.

Here's what to expect during the morning commute on Tuesday:

LOS ANGELES

  • Alert: Flood watch until 4 p.m. PT
  • Peak rainfall:During the morning commute on Tuesday
  • Additional rainfall total:1-2 inches
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall will be ongoing, and isolated pockets will be heavy at times. Water should still be on roadways and driving is not advised.

SAN FRANCISCO

  • Alert: Coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. PT to 11 a.m. PT on Saturday
  • Rainfall: Rainfall has largely ended for the area.
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall will have largely subsided but isolated pockets of roadways could still have standing water.

SAN DIEGO

  • Alert: Flood watch until 6 a.m. PT
  • Peak rainfall begin/end: Until 3 a.m. PT
  • Rainfall total: 1-2 inches
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall will peak in the hours leading up to the morning commute, so water should be on roadways and driving is not advised.

FRESNO

  • Alert: Flood watch until 4 a.m. PT
  • Peak rainfall begin/end:Now until 2 a.m. PT
  • Rainfall total:1-2 inches
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall peaking in the hours leading up to the morning commute, so water could be on roadways and travel could be delayed.

SACRAMENTO

  • No alerts at this time
  • Rainfall has largely ended for the area
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall will have ended but isolated pockets of standing water could still slow the morning commute.

EUREKA

  • Alert: Coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. to noon PT
  • Peak rainfall begin/end: Now until 3 a.m. PT
  • Rainfall total:Under an inch
  • Tuesday morning forecast: Rainfall will peak in the hours leading up to the morning commute, so water could still be on roadways.
3:10 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Storm slams Downtown Los Angeles with 75% of its annual rainfall — and it's only February

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (2)

As a powerful atmospheric river continues to impact Southern California, cities like Los Angeles have seen an incredible start to their year in terms of rainfall.

Since January 1, the weather station has received 10.72 inches through Monday evening PST — equivalent to is about 75% of the yearly average rainfall.

For comparison, the average yearly rainfall for downtown Los Angeles is 14.25 inches.

Forecast: It is still raining across Southern California. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has issued a slight risk for excessive rainfall, or a level 2 of 4, for Southern California, including downtown Los Angeles, for Tuesday.

A marginal risk for excessive rainfall, level 1 of 4, remains over parts of Southern California for Wednesday.

2:17 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Pup "eager to reunite with his human" after owner rescued from raging Los Angeles river

From CNN’s Amanda Musa

The Los Angeles Fire Department has shared photos of the dog belonging to a man who had to be rescued from a river on Monday after jumping in to save his pet.

The pet owner was lifted out of the river by helicopter while the dog managed to swim to safety and escape the rapids, the LAFD said.

“This pup was happy to be alive, and eager to reunite with his human,” LAFD said in apost on X onMonday night.
1:59 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Heavier rainfall moves into San Diego

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

Flash flooding is possible for San Diego County in the coming hours as heavier rainfall reaches the area, according to a warning from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for Riverside County, southeastern Orange County and northwestern San Diego County for the next hour or so, with more flash flooding possible as the rainfall picks up.

San Diego County may see 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rainfall per hour, with rainfall totals accumulating between 1 and 2 inches.

Moderate risk: A moderate risk for excessive rainfall, or a level 3 of 4,remains in effect for the couple of hours across Southern California before dropping to a slight risk for excessive rainfall, or a level 2 of 4, for the day on Tuesday.

Flood watches have dropped across Northern California. And, the total population under flood watches across Central California, Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada is over 30 million people.

3:27 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Deadly atmospheric river unleashes record rainfall in California. Here's what to know

CNN staff

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (3)

A powerful atmospheric river-fueled storm is hovering above Southern California, unleashing torrential rain and floods across the metro-Los Angeles area.

The slow-moving storm has also turned deadly, with at least two confirmed deaths as trees topple over homes and streets. Intense flooding and mudslides have also damaged many homes in the state.

The worst of the storm’s rainfall will slowly shift south throughout the day, with the threat shifting from Los Angeles to the San Diego area by Monday evening.

Here's what to know:

  • Over 10 inches of rain: Portions of Los Angeles County have accumulated more than 10 inches of rain since Sunday, raising the risk of flash floods and mudslides in the inundated area. Some areas reached nearly 1 foot of rainfall, with Bel Air seeing 11.68 inches of rain and Sepulveda Canyon accumulating 11.51 inches of water, according to the National Weather Service.
  • Storm-related deaths: At least two California residents have died from falling trees in the powerful storm. Those killed include a 41-year-old man from Sacramento County, a 45-year-old Santa Cruz County resident.
  • Snow piles up in California mountains: Heavy snowfall associated with the atmospheric river-fueled stormsystemover California has been helping with the snowpack accumulationin theSierra Nevada mountains, which is crucial to the water supply. Heavy snow measuring some 2-feet deep is burying the state's mountains — as of February 5, the California snowpack is at 72% of normal conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
  • Unhoused in the storm: One hundred unhoused people were evacuated from a tiny home complex Monday due to flooding, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said during a news conference. She adds that evacuations are ongoing.
  • Biden makes surprise comments: President Joe Biden unexpectedly made comments via phone during a news conference, saying he and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are working closely to get resources mobilized.
  • Highways and roads closed: Several major roads remain closed due to storm damage and debris pile up. Benedict Canyon Drive in the Beverly Hills area is “impassable” between Sunset Boulevard and Mulholland Drive Monday afternoon, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation said on X.The storm also chipped off parts of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County, which now remains closed.
3:23 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Downtown Los Angeles sees one of its wettest two-day periods as daily rainfall records hit Southern California

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (4)

The latest Weather Prediction Center (WPC) reports show the impact of the powerful storm bringing record-setting precipitation in parts of California.

Here are some notable rainfall totals over the latest two-day period, according to the WPC:

  • Bel Air Hotel: 11.64 inches
  • Sepulveda Canyon: 11.64 inches
  • Stunt Ranch: 11.07 inches
  • Beverly Hills: 7.95 inches
  • Downtown Los Angeles: 7.01 inches

Downtown Los Angeles's 7.01 inches in two days is the area's third-wettest two-day period on record as of Sunday.

Here are the top five wettest two-day periods for Downtown Los Angeles:

  1. 7.98” ending Jan 1, 1934
  2. 7.44” ending Jan 26, 1956
  3. 7.01” ongoing since yesterday
  4. 6.51” ending Dec 29, 2004
  5. 6.36” ending March 2, 1938

Excessive rainfall warnings: The excessive rainfall across Southern California has been downgraded to a moderate risk, or a level 3 of 4, with the latest update from the WPC.

Over 16 million people remain under the moderate risk area, including Downtown Los Angeles, as the rainfall total is likely to keep rising.

Daily rainfall records have also been shattered on Monday in parts of Southern California, according to data from the National Weather Service:

  • Downtown Los Angeles: 2.76 inches (old record 2.3 inches set in 1901)
  • Los Angeles International Airport: 2.37 inches (old record 1.42 inches set in 1978)
  • Long Beach Airport: 2.31 inches (old record 1.4 inches set in 1978)
  • Bob Hope Airport: 2.08 inches (old record 1.46 inches set in 2009)
  • Palmdale Regional Airport: 1.37 inches (old record 0.61 inches set in 1948)

Flood watches remain for around 35 million people across the state and may be allowed to expire across Central California Tuesday morning.

1:37 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Pacific Coast Highway closed in several locations due to storm damage

From CNN's Taylor Romine

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (5)

The Pacific Coast Highway along California's coast is closed in at least two places after storm damage made it unsafe, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said Monday.

In Ventura County, which is directly above Los Angeles County, the highway is closed in both directions from Las Posas Road to Sycamore Canyon Road "due to washed out road from storm erosion," Caltrans District 7 said ina post on X.

The highway is also closed both ways in Monterey County near Limekiln State Park due to a landslide on the road, Caltrans District 5 said in apost on X.

3:24 a.m. ET, February 6, 2024

Flight delays and cancellations mount at major California airports

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (6)

As a powerful atmospheric river-fueled storm continues to bring heavy rain and gusty winds slamming California, flight delays have increased across major state airports.

Here are the latest flight cancellations and delays into and out of major airports for the last 48 hours (as of 7:40 p.m. PT), according to FlightAware:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

  • Canceled: 60+
  • Delayed: 1,100+

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • Canceled: 255+
  • Delayed: 840+

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

  • Canceled: 45+
  • Delayed: 120+

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • Canceled: 30+
  • Delayed: 320+

Metro Oakland International Airport (OAK)

  • Canceled: 35+
  • Delayed: 145+
February 5, 2024: California atmospheric river-fueled storm brings rain and flooding to Los Angeles, San Diego and throughout state (2024)

FAQs

What is causing the atmospheric rivers hitting California? ›

The warmer sea surface temperatures associated with El Niño provide additional moisture to the atmosphere, contributing to the development of more intense atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation. Atmospheric rivers have recently gained significant attention in the news.

What areas in San Diego are flooded? ›

These areas in San Diego County are at the highest risk of flooding, data shows
  • Chollas has been designated a flood-prone area.
  • Mission Valley has been designated as flood-prone.
  • Sorrento Valley has been designated as flood-prone.
  • The Tijuana River Valley has been designated as flood-prone.
Mar 21, 2024

When did the atmospheric river hit California in 2024? ›

February 2024 California atmospheric rivers
The rain totals in Southern California from February 4th through the 6th of 2024.
DateFebruary 4–7, 2024
LocationCalifornia
Deaths9

What is the atmospheric river bringing heavy rain to California Indian Express? ›

The rain that hit California is part of a weather system called the Pineapple Express, which is an atmospheric river that originates in the subtropical waters around Hawaii.

Will California be underwater because of climate change? ›

Areas of populous cities along California's stretch of the Pacific Ocean could be flooded or entirely consumed by water if, due to the effects of climate change, sea levels rise as predicted, modeling suggests.

How bad are atmospheric rivers? ›

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, atmospheric rivers broke 33 to 74 percent of droughts on the West Coast between 1950 and 2010. However, the rivers can bring extensive flooding and landslides as well, costing lives and causing massive damage.

Which California city has the most flooding? ›

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency​ identifies Sacramento as the nation's greatest metropolitan flood risk.

Did San Diego flood in 2024? ›

By noon, more than 3 inches of rain had fallen at that National City gauge, and across the county — especially in the southeastern part of the city of San Diego — neighborhoods were underwater, homes flooded, dozens of rescues underway. Nearly two months later, the floodwaters have long since receded.

What part of California is in danger of flooding? ›

Flood risk across California

Neighborhoods in San Mateo, Sacramento and Orange counties stand out as areas in California with large percentages of homes with major flood risk. A substantial number of Sacramento neighborhoods have more than 80% of properties at high risk of flooding.

What parts of California will be underwater in 2050? ›

The map shows that Naval Air Station Point Mugu, multiple sections of the Port of Long Beach and dozens of blocks in Huntington Beach near Bolsa Chica State Beach would be flooded, among other impacted areas.

Is California still in drought in 2024? ›

The previous drought lasted 2,672 days between 2011 and 2019. As of March 26, 2024, about 0% of the state's total area is seeing drought conditions.

Why is Southern California getting so much rain? ›

The fuel for the clouds and precipitation comes courtesy of an atmospheric river, stretching from south of Hawaii to Southern California. All that moisture wasn't in sync with Sunday's storm, or even more rain — another 50%-100% — could have fallen, Swain said. “It's bad enough as it is,” Swain added.

Is California getting more atmospheric rivers? ›

However, many Californians may be surprised to learn that these two wet seasons fall within the realm of natural variability. They may also be surprised to learn that this year has delivered more atmospheric rivers than the previous year, which caused far more damage and disruption.

Will atmospheric river end drought? ›

Even after six atmospheric river-driven storms, a majority of the state is still in a drought that began three years ago. Why rain alone doesn't solve dry conditions has much to do with what happens to that rain once it falls and how climate change is disrupting that cycle.

Will there be more atmospheric rivers in California? ›

In the future, rising greenhouse gas emissions are expected to amp up the frequency, intensity and duration of such atmospheric river “sequences.” These stretches correspond with periods when California faced heightened potential for flooding, according to a new study by scientists from Stanford University and other ...

What is causing all the atmospheric rivers? ›

Atmospheric rivers usually begin over tropical regions. Warm temperatures there cause ocean water to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere. Strong winds help to carry the water vapor through the atmosphere. As atmospheric rivers move over land, the water vapor rises up farther into the atmosphere.

What will happen once the atmospheric river moves through California? ›

A pair of atmospheric rivers are bringing rain — and the threat of flooding, high winds, power outages and more — to California, as the second such dangerous storm in less than a week flows in along a current of warm air and moisture known as the Pineapple Express.

Why is California getting so many storms? ›

Climate change probably had a hand in the extraordinary storm totals, experts say, because a warmer planet can make for juicier storms.

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