Timeline

2022-2023 California Floods

2022-2023 California Floods

According to NOAA, atmospheric rivers (AR) are flowing columns “of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere responsible for producing significant levels of rain and snow, especially in the Western United States” that, when powerful, can result in extreme rainfall and flooding. California experienced atmospheric rivers starting at the end of December 2022 and ending with two consecutive ARs in March 2023. These devastating weather events caused mandatory evacuations, loss of power to hundreds of thousands of businesses and homes, property damage, and loss of life. The extensive damage and threat to safety and public health caused by these storms prompted President Joseph Biden to issue an emergency declaration for the state of California that included 17 counties 

Date of event: December 31, 2022-March 25, 2023

Impact:

Related Resources:

HSDL Featured Topic: Climate ChangeSevere Winter Weather 

HSDL Search: FloodsAtmospheric River

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