February 2024 California atmospheric rivers
GOES-West satellite view of the bomb cyclone impacting California on February 4 | |
| Date | February 4–7, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | California |
| Cause | Atmospheric river associated with an Extratropical cyclone |
| Deaths | 9 |
| Property damage | ~$3 billion |
In early February 2024, two atmospheric rivers brought extensive flooding, intense winds, and power outages to portions of California. The storms caused record-breaking rainfall totals to be observed in multiple areas, as well as the declaration of states of emergency in multiple counties in Southern California. Wind gusts of hurricane force were observed in San Francisco, along with wind gusts reaching over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in the Sierra Nevada. Widespread landslides occurred as a result of the storms, as well as multiple rivers overflowing due to the excessive rainfall. Stormchaser Reed Timmer stated that "Biblical flooding" was possible throughout California during the atmospheric river.