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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued winter storm warnings, winter weather advisories, wind advisories, and high wind warnings for nearly all of California on Wednesday as an atmospheric river hit the state.
Why It Matters
The atmospheric river arrived on Tuesday. It is bringing up to four feet of snow to high elevation areas, heavy rain to Southern California and strong winds statewide.
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Californians have been warned of dangerous travel conditions through Thursday night.
What to Know
Atmospheric rivers are "long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The storms brought by atmospheric rivers are known for their heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds.
As of Wednesday afternoon, widespread impacts were being felt across California. Winter storm warnings were issued in high-elevation areas along the Sierra Nevada and in Southern California.
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The NWS Los Angeles office issued flood watches. Wind advisories or high wind warnings were issued statewide.
For the high wind warnings, wind gusts could reach up to 65 miles per hour, which is considered tropical storm strength. Winds were weaker but still difficult to navigate for the areas under wind advisories, which includes the entire state except for a small pocket around Fresno.
Strong winds were contributing to power outages across the state, with nearly 53,500 households affected, according to poweroutage.us.
NWS meteorologist Ariel Cohen told Newsweek that gusty winds out of the west to southwest will continue through the rest of the week and into the weekend for the Los Angeles area.
What People Are Saying
The NWS office in Hanford, California: "Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive."
The NWS office in Sacramento, California: "Difficult travel conditions from chain controls, road closures, and low visibility due to the combination of wind and heavy snow expected. Hazardous conditions will impact the morning and afternoon commutes on Wednesday and Thursday."
"Persons should delay travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility," the warning added.
What Happens Next
The storm is expected to move out of the region on Thursday. Most wind advisories are scheduled to expire by Wednesday night in Northern California and Thursday afternoon in the eastern parts of the state.
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