What impacts has California had from several atmospheric river events this year?
Weather and climate affect our farmers on a deep level and they need our support more than ever. Below is an excerpt from Fox 8 News on March 15, 2023. to Please visit Fox 8 News to read the full story.
This week, California saw its 11th atmospheric river of the season, dropping more rain and snow, and leaving more than 300,000 customers without power.
State reservoirs that had been concerningly low are now filled above average for the first time this year due to increased rainfall and snow.
The rise in water levels comes after a three year drought that plagued California.
California saw rainfall records on Tuesday with Los Angeles International Airport, Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Airport and Long Beach airport all recording new daily rainfall totals.
Santa Barbara Airport had the highest rainfall record with 2.54 inches of rain.
Over a dozen communities along major rivers saw flooding including areas along the Salinas, Sacramento and Merced rivers. The Pajaro river suffered a levee breach last week and has continued to spill water onto nearby communities.
According to the National Weather Service, over 90 flood watches, warnings and advisories have been in effect statewide as well as avalanche warnings in the Lake Tahoe area.
Officials are concerned that the severe flooding may lead to significant crop loss.