AccuWeather first to warn of ‘widespread and destructive flooding disaster’ for parts of California

As the second atmospheric river in less than a week inundated California with record rainfall from Feb. 4 - 6, 2024, AccuWeather stood out once again as the first and only source to predict "widespread and destructive flooding disaster." The storm brought over seven inches of rain to Downtown Los Angeles, resulting in nearly 500 mudslides, causing landslides, washouts, and structural damage, along with leaving a million customers without power at the storm's peak. The total damage and economic loss could be up to $11 billion.  AccuWeather's forecasts with proven Superior Accuracy™ were provided further in advance than any other source and more efficiently communicated the risks to businesses.

Hear from an AccuWeather Client: 

MOST ADVANCE NOTICE

AccuWeather alerted its business customers six days in advance to the flood risk stretching from San Francisco to San Diego. On Feb. 1, three days before the event, AccuWeather was the first to issue rainfall maps predicting over five inches of rain for the Los Angeles area. The forecast extended to the higher terrain north of Los Angeles, where AccuWeather alone predicted 8-12 inches of rain and the worst impacts.

THE IMPACTS

AccuWeather, ahead of the National Weather Service and other sources, accurately predicted that flooding and power outages due to strong winds would occur Sunday in parts of central California, especially along the coast.

While others predicted life-threatening flooding, AccuWeather was the only source to forecast a "widespread and destructive flooding disaster" that would impact the canyons and hillsides of Southern California, including landslides and road washouts. This precise forecast materialized as predicted. 

AccuWeather uniquely conveyed that 94% of California's population could be impacted, providing a scale of the flooding risk that was both life-threatening and contextually significant.

THE DETAILS

While other sources mentioned "localized flooding" or omitted flooding risk entirely, AccuWeather provided detailed and actionable information on the significant risk for major, life-threatening flooding. Their language was clear and direct, warning of "flooding rain," "significant flash flooding," and "a risk for major flooding."

THE ACCUWEATHER ADVANTAGE

AccuWeather's exclusive AssetReport™ enabled business customers to identify specific assets at risk and receive location-specific details on expected rain and wind. This tool, along with interactive maps in the AccuWeather For Business Portal, allowed for quick identification of impacted locations and informed decisions regarding business continuity and supply chain concerns.

AccuWeather proved again to be the most accurate source for weather forecasts in the world, better-helping people and businesses best prepare for disruptive weather. 

This aerial photograph shows vehicles and farm equipment flooded at the Mickelson Pumpkin Patch in Petaluma, California, on February 4, 2024. The US West Coast was getting drenched on February 1 as the first of two powerful storms moved in, part of a "Pineapple Express" weather pattern that was washing out roads and sparking flood warnings. The National Weather Service said "the largest storm of the season" would likely begin on February 4. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP)

A man carrying an umbrella stands perched above a flooded street in Ventura, Calif., Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (AP PhotoEugene Garcia)

The Los Angeles River carries increased stormwater flow due to the atmospheric rivers affecting Northern California, which are expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Los Angeles area, on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (AP PhotoDamian Dovarganes)

Waves crash over a breakwater in Alameda, Calif., with the San Francisco skyline in the background on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. High winds and heavy rainfall are impacting the region. (AP PhotoNoah Berger) 

Superior Accuracy™: Better informed. Better protected. Better prepared. 

AccuWeather's SkyGuard Notifications deliver timely and actionable insights to businesses, offering advance warnings for severe weather events. AccuWeather provides an average of 16 advance notices when tornadoes are in the forecast, compared to only 8 minutes from all other sources. That means AccuWeather gives you more time to prepare better and get to shelter – all critical when seconds count, and lives are on the line.

Want to learn more about how AccuWeather For Business can help your business better prepare for severe weather? Contact one of our experts and get a demonstration of AccuWeather's SkyGuard Notifications and protect your business, employees, and assets.