Key Facts Of The Day 3/10

Storms and Flooding

• As of Friday morning, the first of two atmospheric river storms descended on California, prompting widespread evacuation orders as it flooded creeks and rivers and dropped warm, heavy rains atop the state’s near-record snowpack.
  • On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in 21 counties, activating the California National Guard and other state agencies to respond to storm-related emergencies.
  • At least seven of the state’s river systems were forecast to flood.
  • Nearly 90 flood watches and advisories were in effect across the state.
  • In Santa Cruz County, the San Lorenzo River had already crested Friday morning, prompting evacuation orders for Felton Grove, Paradise Park, and Soquel Village due to flooding.
• The death toll rises in Southern California mountains after blizzards.
  • At least 12 people have died in the Big Bear area of San Bernardino County since February 23.
• Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories have been issued for Colorado’s mountains and western slope Friday through Saturday afternoon.
• On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that after three years, the La Niña weather phenomenon, which increases Atlantic hurricane activity and worsens Western drought, is gone.
• A new report found that as much as $800 million is needed to help residents of southeastern Kentucky recover from a July flood that killed 40 people and devastated the region.

Wildfire

• As of March 10, 4  large active wildfires have burned 4,178 acres across the country.
• As of March 10, 5,431 wildfires have burned 73,072 acres across the country.
• In Florida, 2 fires have burned 3,362 acres as of March 10.
• In North Carolina, 1 fire has burned 316 acres as of March 10.

Extreme Heat

• Despite the recent abundance of snow and rain, the Rocky Mountains are still in a drought.
  • The Colorado River basin will need higher-than-normal snows every winter — forever — if the region ever hopes to fully meet demands on the river.
  • It will take more than one good water year to replenish Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the two biggest hydropower systems in the basin.
• Climate change could make it harder for trees native to Georgia to thrive over the next few decades.

New Reports and Data

• A March 2023 study found that the more people of color who live in a neighborhood, the higher the fine particulate air pollution levels are likely to be.
• A March 2023 report found that as much as $800 million is needed to help residents of southeastern Kentucky recover from a July flood that killed 40 people and devastated the region.
• A March 2023 study found that rising temperatures in the tropics lead to lower coffee yields and higher prices.