Also, more storms on the horizon could bring more rain to the mountains, which could lead to flooding.

said Andrew Schwartz, principal scientist and manager of the University of California, Central Sierra Snow Lab. , Berkeley. “That means that if it rains, it’s likely to melt even more. So we’re just crossing our fingers to really stay snow.”

This situation highlights the water conundrum in California. The state desperately needs a very wet winter, but it also risks damage and disruption when drenched by major storms.

“This is due to climate change causing California to experience more variability between the wet and dry seasons,” said Carla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources, in a statement. A classic example of extreme flood threats.

the recent storm series of atmospheric river — Path of water vapor from the tropical Pacific Ocean — meteorologists expect to continue until mid-January.

Atmospheric river that drenched the West Coast last week killed at least 5 peopleAnother storm system wet California again before barrel east across the country After sending snow to Utah and Arizona, strong tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding in parts of the plains, the Upper Midwest and the South on Tuesday.

The storm was expected to become less intense as it moved toward the east coast, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.repeated heavy rains Be expected Hit California on Saturday, hit again on Monday.

Sean Hubler reports from Sacramento. Soumya Karlamangla from San Francisco, Jill Cowan from Los Angeles Jaycee Fortin from New York.The report was contributed by Julie Brown, Derrick Bryson Taylor, Christine Hauser, Judson Jones, Holly Secon When Jung Yoon. Alain Dracheriere Contributed to research.