California Braces, for Back-to-Back , 'Pineapple Express' Storms.
On February 1, the West Coast of the United States
was bracing for severe weather, with over
22 million people under flood alerts. .
NBC reports that both state and local officials
have already taken action to limit potential damage
and disruption from two powerful Pacific storms. .
Approximately 32 million people are also under high
wind alerts, bringing the potential of widespread
power outages as the pair of storms approach. .
The first of the storms is forecast to hit on
February 1, while the second storm is expected
to hit on February 4 and carry into February 5.
Both storms could be categorized as
"Pineapple Express" storms, having
originated in the subtropics of Hawaii.
Further inland, the storms are expected
to carry heavy snow, with over one million
people under winter weather alerts. .
According to National Weather Service
meteorologist Robert Hart, areas above 7,000 feet
could experience as much as 18 inches of snow.
NBC reports that Southern California
is predicted to receive the worst
of the rain from the February 1 storm. .
NBC reports that Southern California
is predicted to receive the worst
of the rain from the February 1 storm. .
The state, which is already recovering from recent record-
breaking rainfall and flooding, can expect the second
stronger storm to bring heavy winds, rain and snow. .
According to the California Department of Water
Resources, 5 million sandbags and over 62,000 flood-
blocking "super sacks" were on ready to combat flooding.
According to the California Department of Water
Resources, 5 million sandbags and over 62,000 flood-
blocking "super sacks" were on ready to combat flooding