California watches with disbelief as massive 'atmospheric river' phenomenon with FIFTEEN TIMES the water of the Mississippi, develops offshore

Extreme rains will bring flooding and danger to parts of the state.

Northern California is about to be hit with a massive storm that contains so much rain, it is known as an "atmospheric river." Meteorologists say the event happens about only once in a decade.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - An epic storm is poised to hit California this weekend as an atmospheric river takes aim at the state. Meteorologists warn this will be a major event, one that is so rare it is seen perhaps only once in a decade. Widespread flooding and property damage is expected. The conditions will be dangerous for many people loving in vulnerable areas. Caution and preparation is advised.

Normally, California stays warm, sunny and dry, even during the winter. A typical California winter might see a storm pass through the state every week or two. The reason is high pressure which is a normal feature off the California coast. This high pressure blocks most of the storms approaching the state, diverting them into Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

Occasionally, that high pressure feature weakens a bit and shifts westward over the Pacific. When that happens, it can divert a portion of the jet stream to the south, and if that branch intercepts a low pressure storm system, it can channel a tremendous volume of moisture towards central California. How much moisture? The equivalent of 15 Mississippi rivers.

That moisture is then dumped in a concentrated area, usually tens to 250 miles wide. There tends to be a particular region that can be hit especially hard.

Since California is unaccustomed to heavy rains, flood control is less robust than in places where flooding is a regular occurrence. Many Californians will be taken by surprise.

Flooding leads to other problems such as mudslides and avalanches. Even a few feet of rushing floodwater is enough to drown a person since it is virtually impossible to stand in rapidly moving water. The water is also filled with sediment and possibly debris, which can cause injury.

Roads will be closed, snarling traffic, and bridges can be washed out. In the mountains, the snowfall will be tremendous, creating the risk of avalanche. Blizzard conditions can trap people for days.

The storm will strike California in Saturday and Sunday, with the northern portion of the state, around Sacramento and to the north, likely to receive the most rain and damage. Farther south, the rainfall will be light and mild. The southern end of the San Joaquin Valley will see only half-an-inch. Places like Los Angeles and San Diego will see little to no rain at all.

About 6 feet of snow is projected above 8,500 feet for the Sierra Nevada mountains, north of Tehachapi. Below that elevation, north of Fresno, rain could range between 3 to 5 inches on average with some places receiving much, much more. Grass Valley and South Lake Tahoe may be inundated.

Planners expect several rivers such as the Carson, Truckee and Susan to overflow their banks. Rock slides will also be a danger in the weeks to come. Parts of Yosemite park may be closed due to dangerous conditions.

Anyone who lives in Central or Northern California, north of Fresno, should use great caution in the several days to come. A second storm will follow on Tuesday and Wednesday, exacerbating problems created by this weekend's storm. Driving conditions may change within minutes. Roads may be closed and bridges could be endangered. Motorists are warned that it only takes a few feet of water to wash away a car, and flooded areas can be much deeper than they first appear. Drivers should not attempt to drive across flooded streets where they cannot see the pavement. Emergency services may be delayed as storm conditions complicate responses.

Local authorities can provide better advice on how to weather the storm and all people should seek regular updates as this event unfolds.

Despite the immense rain and snow about to slam into the state, it is not expected to be enough to finally break the drought. The state remains in a deficit caused by four years of exceptionally dry weather. For that reason, the rain is welcome, even if it brings the risk of damage.

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