In an aerial view, trees cast shadows in an area burned by the Dixie Fire on Sept. 24, 2021 in Greenville, California. Burn scars left by the fire are at risk for dangerous flash flooding and debris flows.
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)- Residents in an Alisal Fire burn scar are under an evacuation order.
- In some areas, it might be too late to leave, the NWS warns.
- Tens of thousands are without electricity.
Evacuations were ordered in some areas and others are being told it might be too late to leave Sunday as a powerful storm moves across parts of California bringing the threat of potentially deadly landslides and flash flooding.
The threat is especially high in terrain left barren by wildfires, which is vulnerable to flooding and an especially dangerous and fast-moving type of landslide that scientists call "debris flows."
Watches and warnings for flooding and debris flow were issued ahead of the storm for areas including the Dixie and Alisal burn scar areas.
(FORECAST: Powerhouse Atmospheric River Storm Arrives in California)
The weather is bringing relief amid a historic drought and tamping down the threat of fall wildfires. But it remains to be seen how the region's wet season will play out.
Here are the latest updates.
Numerous Landslides Reported
Several landslides are happening, including one that shut down Highway 70 near Tobin in Plumas County, where the Dixie Fire left behind large swaths of burn scars.
"Numerous mud, rock and debris flows have been reported," the National Weather Service in Reno tweeted. "This event is just getting underway! Stay alert and stay safe today!"
A photo posted to social media showed rocks covering Highway 70.
100-foot-tall Tree Prompts Evacuations in San Francisco
First responders went door to door to warn residents near a 100-foot-tall that is in danger of falling over, according to the city fire department.
Occupants of three buildings were told to evacuate
There are several reports of downed power lines and trees blocking roads around the city.
Multiple Reports of Downed Trees
Firefighters in San Mateo County, south of San Francisco, are responding to dozens of storm-related calls inluding downed trees and power lines.
Tens of Thousands Without Power in California, Washington
More than 139,000 power outages are being reported in California as of about noon PDT, according to poweroutage.us. Most of those were centered in the northern part of the state, including Sonoma, Marin, San Mateo and Butte counties.
About 46,000 outages are being reported in Washington, mostly due to high winds in King County around Seattle.
Evacuations Ordered in Alisal Burn Scar Area
An evacuation order is in effect starting at noon PDT for some residents in the Alisal Fire burn scar area, including areas west of Las Flores Canyon, east of Mariposa Reina, south of West Camino Cielo, and down to the ocean. A warning was issued on Saturday.
The Alisal Fire started earlier this month and burned more than 26 square miles in Santa Barbara County.
Evacuations are also underway in other areas including Santa Cruz County, where a shelter is open at San Lorenzo Valley High School. Areas there were burned last year by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
It May be Too Late For Some to Leave, NWS Warns
The National Weather Service in Sacramento said debris flows were already occurring early Sunday morning. In a tweet, the agency warned residents that it may too late for some to leave.
"If you are near a burn scar, it may be too late to evacuate," the agency said in a tweet. "Do not attempt to cross a debris flow. Take shelter in the highest floor of your home."
Warning signs of an impending debris flow including rushing water and mud as well as unusual sounds including cracking, breaking, roaring or the sound of a freight train.
What's Causing This Weather?
The rain is from a powerhouse storm tapping into a strong atmospheric river that moved into California Sunday.
Soaking rain from this latest storm to hit the West Coast is ongoing right now from Northern California into the Pacific Northwest.
Heavy snow is also possible in some areas.
Click here for the full forecast.
What are Debris Flows and Why are They so Dangerous?
Terrain left barren by wildfires is most vulnerable to an especially dangerous and fast-moving type of landslide that scientists call "debris flows." Known less formally as mudslides, these flows are typically triggered by short, intense rainstorms and can send a wall of water, soil, ash, vegetation, rocks and other debris careening downhill, sweeping away or burying everything in its path.
"A debris flow is kind of a flood on steroids," Jason Kean, a debris flow expert with the U.S. Geological Survey, told weather.com in an interview. "It’s all bulked up with rocks, mud, even boulders – and boulders can be the size of cars."
Besides destroying vegetation that would normally hold soil and debris in place, wildfires change certain characteristics of the soil itself. It becomes less likely to absorb water, which creates conditions ripe for flash flooding and debris flows
Click here to learn more.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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October 25, 2021 at 12:33AM
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