The 19th Century California Megaflood

By -
Some friends on Twitter made me aware of a Scientific American article I missed when it was first published in 2013. It is the true story of a mega-flood that occurred throughout California (especially) and the West in the winter of 1861-62. The story is remarkable. 

Below is an image of the flooding in Sacramento along K Street.
The map the map depicts the almost unbelievable extent of the flooding. The story should be read by anyone interested in weather (especially weather forecasting), California history or emergency management. 

Climatologists tell us that this type of flood occurs in California roughly every two hundred years. 

An "Ark Storm" refers to Noah's Ark. The 1861-62 flood would certainly qualify! Except, it would be worse today because so much of the area -- especially Southern California -- is paved over and there would be exponentially more people to rescue as compared with the 500,000 people who lived in California at that time. 
I do take issue with the author's pessimism about meteorology's ability to forecast atmospheric river-type storms in California and the West, as she calls them "unpredictable." The are not. Meteorologists routinely forecast them when they occur, as they did in the winter of 2017. 

Two critical points:
  • If an identical storm occurred today, it would be a national-level catastrophe. Not only would California be devastated, think about all of the supply-chain issues we are having today even with highways and railroads open. What would it be like with California (and, possibly, Oregon and Washington) cut off from the rest of the nation? It would rank with a Carrington EMP event that could even threaten the existence of our nation. Plus, we could not bring help in fast enough!
  • If this identical storm were to occur today, it would be entirely blamed on global warming! This event demonstrates Mother Nature is completely capable of causing extreme floods and extreme drought without any help from human beings. 
Federal spending contains a tremendous amount of waste and foolishness. President Biden's BBB bill, now before Congress, wants a "Climate Army" that goes door to door to harass people about global warming. That $2.5 billion would be far better spent building up our hydrological expenses in the West.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more