Thousands Without Power in Central California Following Atmospheric River

news image
Top Stories
5 Jan 2023 8:10 PM
A powerful "bomb cyclone" is lashing California with tropical-storm-force winds and unleashing a fire hose of moisture known as an "Atmospheric River" on the state. A STATE OF EMERGENCY has been declared in California as a result of the storm and emergency operations centers are running at their highest levels. A bomb cyclone is when a storm drops 24mb of pressure in 24 hours - this storm officially did so over the Pacific Ocean through the past day. An Atmospheric River is a concentrated plume of moisture that moves around an area of low pressure and can result in torrential rainfall, snow, and wind. The coastline has taken the brunt of the storm, with multiple piers crashing into the ocean as a result of strong winds causing large waves and swells. https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1611111614089936898

Rain

Widespread flood alerts remain in effect through Friday morning. Please do not drive through flooded roadways! In addition, burn scar areas are at risk for debris flows, assess your risk and please have multiple ways to get alerts. Evacuations are in place around recent burn scars and along the coastline due to the risk of mudslides. The city of San Francisco is asking people to NOT call 911 unless it is an absolute emergency. They anticipate this storm system to have multiple threats and the need to respond. If you need to report a flood issue, call 311. Additional rainfall totals will be in the range of 1-2" through Friday morning.

Snowfall

In addition to flood alerts, the National Weather Service office has issued Winter Storm Warnings through Friday morning as storm totals will be likely of up to 4 feet possible with wind gusts as high as 60 mph, although the worst of the wind is now behind us. Additionally, avalanche warnings are in effect for the Sierras as heavy snow will compound the risk of weak slopes. We will finally see the rain and snow showers gradually taper off overnight but lingering effects from the heavy precipitation are still possible. Use extra caution on the roads and watch for ponding of water or debris. Rivers, creeks and streams will be running very high as water continues to drain. Tune in to the Western Regional forecast at :50 past the hour, or catch it on demand anytime via the WeatherNation app!
All Weather News
More
Over Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

Over Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

ABOVE - Up to one inch of ice accumulated acr

27 Jan 2026 11:00 AM
Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

We're making a run at two straight weeks with

27 Jan 2026 10:40 AM
Cold Air & Dangerous Wind Chills Continue

Cold Air & Dangerous Wind Chills Continue

Alright, this weekend was brutal! If you didn

27 Jan 2026 10:35 AM
Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

Snow Continues for the Great Lakes, Northeast

WOOF! The Northeast got rocked over the weeke

27 Jan 2026 10:10 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

While much of the country will be impacted by

25 Jan 2026 10:40 PM
Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season, the Southwest

25 Jan 2026 11:45 AM
Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

20 Jan 2026 10:30 AM