California Weather Warning as Millions Face Floods and Snow

Warnings are in effect for parts of California as the state braces for another storm that is expected to bring heavy rain and threaten more flooding and mudslides.

The National Weather Service's (NWS) latest forecast said that heavy rain is expected for coastal areas and inland valleys of northern and central California starting on Sunday evening. It comes as the state is still recovering from winter storms that have battered the region in recent weeks with record rainfall, causing hundreds of mudslides.

"Some instability will work its way into portions of southern California tonight and continue into Monday morning, which will lead to the chance for thunderstorms and increased rain rates," the weather service said in the forecast.

Warnings of a moderate risk of flash flooding are in effect for portions of Santa Barbara County on Sunday night, expanding into Ventura County on Monday. Forecasters said there is also a slight risk of flash flooding in Humboldt County down to Ventura, expanding down to Orange County on Tuesday.

Forecasters say heavy mountain snowfall is expected to continue into Tuesday. Up to four feet of snow are forecast for the Sierra Mountains and Mount Shasta by Tuesday morning, with locally higher amounts possible.

Meanwhile, a flood watch that covers much of the California coast affecting millions of people, including in San Francisco and Los Angeles, remains in effect through Wednesday morning.

To help people prepare, San Francisco is providing residents and businesses with up to 10 free sandbags. The city made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a post from the NWS Bay Area office providing details of the flood watch, and warning that "excessive runoff from moderate to heavy rain may lead to flooding."

The NWS office in Eureka said in a flood watch notice that there "will be an increased risk of rock and landslides along roadways.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas."

The NWS office in Los Angeles said light showers are possible across Southern California on Sunday morning before a stronger system moves into the region in the afternoon.

"This second system will stick around into Wednesday and bring periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, cooler temperatures, high-elevation snow, and a slight chance of thunderstorms," the office said.

Officials have issued evacuation warnings for parts of Santa Barbara County ahead of the storm.

The warnings have been issued for properties along the waterways associated with the Thomas, Cave and Alisal burn areas, according to the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services.

Warnings are also in place for properties near Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Drive down to parts of Ninos Drive, and properties near Mission Creek, from Cota Street down to Highway 101 and between Chapala Street and Castillo Street, in the city of Santa Barbara.

Residents in areas covered by the warnings should prepare to leave if the warnings are upgraded to orders.

"BE PREPARED to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding or debris," officials said.