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Southern California Is On Flood Alert Due to Heavy Rainfall

por Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated February 23, 2024
By Wednesday morning, Southern California will be flooded with torrential rainfall due to a powerful Pacific storm. The National Weather Service has issued flood alerts for a major section of the region in response. Amounts of rainfall ranging from 2 to 5 inches are anticipated along the valleys and coastline of metropolitan Los Angeles; the foothills and mountains are anticipated to receive even more rainfall.

Unanticipated Changes in Climate

Two climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean have significantly influenced the forecasting of weather in California and other regions worldwide for several decades. Southern California associated El Niño , which is characterized by an increase in sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, with wet winters, with the expectation that it would bring about drought.
Southern California typically experiences dry winters due to La Niña . Moreover, this pattern persisted over the preceding two years. But that all changed this winter. According to the report , downtown Los Angeles has recorded over 11 inches of rain since the beginning of December, which is more than double the average of 4.91 inches for that period and above the December-January-February mean of 9.41 inches.

Explanation of Climate Terms

What is El Niño?

El Niño, which translates to “the Christ Child” in Spanish, denotes an increase in sea surface temperature beyond the mean within the tropical Pacific Ocean’s central and eastern regions. Occasionally, low-level surface breezes that normally circulate from east to west start blowing in an opposite direction along the equator.
El Niño
With recurrences ranging from two to ten years, El Niño is a phenomenon devoid of exact similarity. El Niño phenomena have the potential to perturb established weather patterns both domestically and internationally.
While not engaged in direct meteorological research or forecasting, the USGS documents and analyzes the consequences and ramifications of extended climate fluctuations and meteorological phenomena on a national and international scale.

What is La Niña?

The climatic phenomenon known as La Niña is taking place in the eastern region and central equatorial Pacific Ocean, where surface sea temperatures are lower than usual. It is the opposite of El Niño and a vital component of the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) weather phenomenon.
Hurricane near California
During La Niña, observable meteorological phenomena occur, such as heightened rains in certain areas accompanied by drought in others, and a significant influence on the worldwide circulation of the atmosphere. La Niña phenomena have the capacity to exert an impact on meteorological patterns, even intensifying hurricane seasons in specific regions and influencing agricultural practices and ecosystems. It is vital to comprehend La Niña in order to predict and adjust to the diverse environmental impacts it causes.

How Flooding Can Affect Your Health?

Floods have the potential to cause power and water outages; destroy transportation and commercial supplies, as well as pollute public water system. Besides, severe flooding events can cause environmental problems such as mudslides and landslides.

Impacts on Public Water Quality

The high volumes of water present in floods sweep over farmlands, infrastructure, and industrial areas. As a result, chemicals, fuel, animal waste, bacteria, and other harmful substances are often present in floodwater as it accumulates.
water quality test
This water then makes its way into water wells or community drinking systems if the infrastructure isn’t equipped to manage floods - and most aren’t. As well as this, contaminant-laden flood water can also penetrate groundwater resources. In short, it enters your drinking water and poses a serious risk to human health.

Power Outrage

During a flood, power outages can occur for several reasons. One common cause is damage to electrical infrastructure, such as power lines and substations, due to flooding and strong winds. Floodwaters can also infiltrate electrical equipment, causing short circuits and other malfunctions.
When power outrage or other emergencies happen, the ordinary water filtration systems might not work because there’s no electricity or because the source water from the city isn’t clean anymore. But don’t worry, that’s exactly when the Waterdrop Kingtank can help! It’s a special water filter system that can give you clean water without needing power. With Kingtank, you’ll always have safe drinking water, even when things go wrong.
electric power grid

How Do I Ensure Water Safety Following a Natural Disaster?

Protecting against illnesses spread by water becomes of utmost importance in times of disaster or emergency. Placing measures to ensure the safety of your water supply is a top priority.

Refrain from Using Polluted Well Water

Floods and other calamities have the potential to cause damage to drinking water wells, as well as contaminate aquifers and wells. In addition to chemicals, animal waste, and human sewage, floodwater can contaminate well water with substances that are hazardous to health when consumed for drinking, bathing, and other hygiene purposes. Contamination is more probable in wells that are less than 50 feet deep, including bored wells and dug wells, even in the absence of apparent damage.
well water pollution

Use water in bottles, boiled, or treated.

When faced with emergencies or concerns regarding the safety of water, it is critical to give precedence to the utilization of dependable sourced and treated water. To guarantee a hygienic supply, choose bottled water; alternatively, boiled water is a preemptive action to eradicate possible contaminants. In contrast, to protect against diseases caused by water and promote general health and wellness, utilize water that has undergone authorized purification processes.

Waterdrop King Tank Gravity Water Filter System.

In contrast to other fluoride water filters, the Waterdrop King Tank fluoride water filters use resin and activated carbon, which can both lower the fluoride and improve the taste of the water while maintaining water safety. This item includes a complimentary liquid-level faucet that provides a visual indication of the remaining water level.
pure water
The capacity of the gravity-fed purification of the water system from the King Tank is 2.25 gallons. This is sufficient to supply pure water for a large family, whether it be indoors or outdoors. Crafted from 304 food-grade stainless steel, the King Tank is resistant to both corrosion and wear.

Do not Consume Alcohol

When hydration is of the utmost importance, it is particularly wise to abstain from alcohol consumption. Due to its dehydrating properties, alcohol increases the body’s need for a greater quantity of water. Individuals can enhance their hydration management and guarantee sufficient replenishment of vital fluids in their bodies by refraining from consuming alcohol.

Keep Up with Information

Maintain knowledge by adhering to the directives issued by the health department of your state, locality, or tribe regarding specific recommendations regarding the boiling or treatment of water in your particular region. Assuring the community’s safety and well-being, local health authorities are capable of providing individualized recommendations in accordance with the specific circumstances and possible pollutants at hand.
Possessing a Waterdrop water filter King Tank becomes indispensable if a natural disaster disrupts your area’s power supply, ensuring that the water is potable and harmless. The dependability of the system guarantees that vital necessities can be attended to despite difficult conditions, thereby fostering resilience and well-being in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

California Rainfall Totals

heavy rainfall
In the past few days, Southern California has received rain comparable to what the region would receive in a few months, and more is on the way.
According to the National Weather Service, the region would receive between 4 and 8 inches of precipitation, with Los Angeles City, Long Beach, Northridge, and Santa Clarita receiving an average of 6.5 inches. Passing through the storm, Pasadena is anticipated to receive an astounding 9.75 inches.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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