Californians Brace for Prolonged Rainfall Following Powerful Atmospheric River Event

Residents of central and northern California are bracing for a prolonged period of light to moderate rainfall this weekend, according to the Weather Prediction Center. The rainfall follows a powerful atmospheric river event that caused flooding and forced many to flee their homes.

The release of water from Lake Oroville, the second-largest reservoir in the state and home to the nation’s tallest dam, is the first since 2019. The release is a precautionary measure against possible spillover and flooding of downstream communities.

Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources, said that water management in California is complicated, and is made even more complex by the swings between very dry and very wet conditions. This shift from water conservation to flood prevention is the latest in a winter weather whiplash for the state, which was 85% in severe drought three months ago.

Saturday is not expected to bring the same torrential rain that battered communities on Friday, which caused bridges to collapse, roads to split open, and thousands of power outages. The Weather Prediction Center has advised residents to take caution and prepare for the incoming rainfall.