California and Nevada Weather Extreme Storms

Sharp rain, heavy snow, and high-speed winds struck California and Nevada this weekend. After 4 casualties and more than 311,512 homes and businesses left without power, the storm is expected to finally subside today. Yet, emergency officials remain on alert. A series of, “sporadic, but intense, showers, with the possibility of more rain Tuesday night are expected,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

Harsh winds and heavy rain first sneaked in to Northern California last week. Then moving southward — but avoiding recent burn zones where mudslides were a major concern — the storm caused 4 deaths during record flash flooding.

In Nevada, a canal levee ruptured early Saturday morning near Reno. The deluge sent "3 feet of water flowing through hundreds of homes," according to USA Today. “About 3,500 people were temporarily trapped and 1,500 displaced.”

According to the report, temperatures were so low that a layer of ice formed over the flooded water — inhibiting drainage.

Though the storm has weakened significantly, emergency teams now fear for the Midwest. As the storm slows and moves inland, it will draw warmth to the Midwest. Weather experts fear the influx of warm air could rapidly melt the Midwest’s stores of winter snow, leading to massive flooding.

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