'Catastrophic' Flooding Feared As Strongest CA Storm Yet Arrives

California started off 2023 with deadly and destructive rain, and the coming week could bring more of the same — or worse, according to authorities.

"A relentless parade of cyclones" are headed across the Pacific Ocean toward the West Coast, according to the National Weather Service, with heavy rain and flooding expected Monday and Tuesday in California.

"Flooding from Northern to Central California is expected to be widespread, even catastrophic in some locations around the coastal mountains and the northern and central Sierra," meteorologist Joe Bauer told AccuWeather, which reported the coming storm could be the strongest yet for the region in 2023.

A surge of moisture is expected to reach the San Francisco area Sunday night and drop 2-4 inches of heavy rain Monday, which are forecast to be accompanied by 50-80 mph wind gusts, according to the National Weather Service. Moderate rain and flooding were anticipated Tuesday.

The Los Angeles area is anticipated to see rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour — potentially higher — Monday night into Tuesday, according to the weather service, which reported thunderstorms are possible. A flood watch was already in effect Sunday afternoon for Orange County, the Inland Empire, and the mountains of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

"With the heavy rain expected, and already very wet soils in place, there will be an increased risk for rock/mudslide activity in the local mountains and canyon roadways," according to the weather service.

Strong winds could lead to downed trees and power outages, and residents should prepare an emergency kit and have an evacuation plan in place, according to the service, which noted rivers may reach flood stage. Delayed and canceled flights are likely, AccuWeather reported.

Downtown San Francisco has seen just under a foot of rain since Dec. 26, which is 628 percent higher than what is typical and marks the wettest 10 days for the city since the Civil War era, according to AccuWeather as of Sunday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday afternoon the state was requesting an emergency declaration from President Joe Biden to support the ongoing storm response.

After the rain Monday and Tuesday, California will experience a brief reprieve, according to the National Weather Service, but another major storm system could strike next weekend.