California storm: Emergency and flood warnings issued for the "pineapple train"
US authorities have declared a state of emergency in California, where the National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe warnings Wednesday about an extreme weather system threatening large swaths of the southern part of the state. Los Angeles and surrounding counties face the risk of flash floods and storm surges that could be the worst in years, prompting urgent government action to address the potential consequences.
The “pineapple train” phenomenon and atmospheric rivers
These warnings stem from a weather phenomenon known as the “Pineapple Express,” a powerful type of atmospheric river. This phenomenon acts as a conveyor belt of intense moisture, drawing massive amounts of water vapor from tropical regions near Hawaii and pumping it directly toward the West Coast of the United States. Climate experts indicate that these atmospheric rivers can carry as much water as the Mississippi River, explaining the forecast of rainfall in just a few days equivalent to several months' worth of normal rainfall.
Declaration of Emergency and Official Response
In response to these threats, California Governor Gavin Newsom quickly declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles. This proactive measure aims to activate disaster protocols, facilitate the rapid deployment of National Guard troops, and allocate the necessary financial and logistical resources for immediate rescue and relief operations as needed.
The National Weather Service stressed in its statement that the situation involves “life-threatening flash floods in Southern California,” warning that the danger is not limited to rain, but extends to include heavy snowfall and strong winds in mountainous areas, posing a significant threat to lives, property, and infrastructure.
Storm aftermath and risks to burned areas
The storm's first signs began to hit the region Tuesday night, as Los Angeles residents awoke to scenes of chaos left by the powerful winds, including uprooted trees, closed streets, and power outages affecting thousands of homes during the Christmas holiday. Coastal areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu face a double threat, as they are still recovering from the devastating wildfires that raged in January.
Geologists warn that the soil in areas affected by the Burn Scars loses its ability to absorb water, making it highly susceptible to mudslides and rockslides once heavy rains fall, which has prompted authorities to open shelters and issue precautionary evacuation orders for some residents.
Forecast for the coming days and travel warnings
In a press statement, meteorologist Ariel Cohen painted a grim picture of the expected situation, saying, “By Wednesday night and into Friday, many areas will likely have experienced significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides, especially in higher elevations and along roads that run through valleys.” He added that some areas could receive up to 30.5 centimeters of rain.
Given that the storm coincided with the holiday travel season, Cohen made an urgent appeal to state residents and visitors, saying, "If you are planning to travel during the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans," noting that many major roads were already closed due to flooding risks.
