SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- California residents are preparing for what has the potential to be the worst storm to hit the state in five years as an incoming surge of moisture threatens heavy winds, rain and snow in the drought-stricken region.
Dubbed a "Pineapple Express," the weather pattern is a stream of heavy moisture running directly from Hawaii to the western United States. California residents have already begun stocking up on supplies and piling sandbags, and many schools are already closed as precipitation makes landfall.
Heavy rains have already affected Washington and Oregon, leaving at least 24,000 Pacific Northwest residents without power.
Current projections show the brunt of the storm will hit California Thursday and Friday as moisture moves from the Bay Area toward San Diego. Farther from the coasts where the temperature is cooler, rain is expected to shift into potentially record-setting snowfall, with much of California's Snowpack region preparing for over a foot of accumulation.
While the heavy precipitation may seem like a welcome change of pace in drought-stricken California, the drastic contrast in weather patterns creates a potentially deadly public hazard.
"It's a short amount of time for that amount of water," weather service forecaster Diana Henderson told Sky News.
"We are anticipating some localized flooding, maybe some downed trees and downed power lines. It could have an effect on a wide range of people."
Given California's recent battles with wildfires, authorities fear the terrain is not equipped to properly naturally channel such massive amounts of water.
"Burned areas are especially at risk for debris slides. Even regions that don't experience regular seasonal flooding could see flash flooding during this intense storm system," Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said in a statement.
"Do not travel," echoed the National Weather Services
"If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded ... stay with your vehicle."
