California Faces Significant Risk of Flooding, Mudslides and Landslides During Multi-Day Winter Storm

California is currently facing a significant risk of flooding, mudslides and landslides due to a multi-day winter storm starting today. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Los Angeles County from Sunday evening until Wednesday morning with higher intensity rates up north.
The city of San Francisco has provided some residents and businesses with free sandbags to prepare for potential flooding, while Santa Barbara County officials have issued evacuation warnings over the weekend due to the risk of multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers, with a chance of thunderstorms.
California Faces Significant Risk of Flooding, Mudslides and Landslides During Multi-Day Winter Storm

California is currently facing a significant risk of flooding, mudslides and landslides due to a multi-day winter storm starting today. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Los Angeles County from Sunday evening until Wednesday morning with higher intensity rates up north. The city of San Francisco has provided some residents and businesses with free sandbags to prepare for potential flooding, while Santa Barbara County officials have issued evacuation warnings over the weekend due to the risk of multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers, with a chance of thunderstorms.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

68%

  • Unique Points
    • Nearly the entire population of California remains under flood alerts
    • Parts of California could see rainfall totals up to 5 inches through midweek and 37 million are under flood watches
    • Significant flooding is possible in some areas with up to 10 inches in isolated areas of the Santa Lucias and Santa Ynez ranges
    • The city of San Francisco is providing some residents and businesses with free sandbags to prepare for potential flooding
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that 'nearly the entire population of California remains under flood alerts', which is not true as only a portion of California's population was affected by flooding earlier this month and there are no indications that all Californians remain under flood alerts now. Secondly, the article quotes officials urging people to stay off the roads early in the week, but it does not provide any evidence or context for why they would be at risk if they did so. Thirdly, while the article mentions record-breaking rainfall earlier this month and hundreds of mudslides triggered by that storm, it fails to disclose any information about how many people were affected by those events or what their current status is. Finally, the article quotes a warning from the Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service stating that 'significant flooding' is possible in certain areas and up to 10 inches of rain are expected in isolated areas, but it does not provide any evidence or context for how likely this scenario is or what precautions people should take. Overall, while there may be some truths contained within the article, they are presented deceptively and without sufficient context.
    • The article quotes officials urging people to stay off the roads early in the week, but it does not provide any evidence or context for why they would be at risk if they did so.
    • The author quotes a warning from the Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service stating that 'significant flooding' is possible in certain areas and up to 10 inches of rain are expected in isolated areas, but it does not provide any evidence or context for how likely this scenario is or what precautions people should take.
    • The author claims that 'nearly the entire population of California remains under flood alerts', which is not true as only a portion of California's population was affected by flooding earlier this month and there are no indications that all Californians remain under flood alerts now.
    • While the article mentions record-breaking rainfall earlier this month and hundreds of mudslides triggered by that storm, it fails to disclose any information about how many people were affected by those events or what their current status is.
  • Fallacies (70%)
    The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service and California Gov. Gavin Newsom as sources for information about the flood alerts and evacuation orders. Additionally, there are multiple instances where the author presents a statement without providing any evidence or context to support it, which can be seen as inflammatory rhetoric.
    • The Los Angeles office of the National Weather Service warned
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains several examples of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'significant flooding' which is a loaded term that implies fear and danger. This language is used to create an emotional response in readers rather than providing objective information about the situation.
    • > 2 to 5 inches of rain are expected <br> > with up to 10 inches in isolated areas of the Santa Lucias and Santa Ynez ranges
      • The Weather Prediction Center has issued excessive rain outlooks through Tuesday for much of California and parts of Nevada, and the risk peaks at a Level 3 of 4 for Sunday and Monday.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        Steve Almasy has a conflict of interest on the topic of California flood alerts as he is reporting for CNN which is owned by AT&T. This company has financial interests in the telecommunications industry and may be affected by any disruptions caused by flooding or other natural disasters.
        • Steve Almasy reports on the National Weather Service warning issued for California, stating that significant flooding is possible with up to 10 inches of rain in isolated areas. This information could affect AT&T's ability to provide telecommunications services and maintain infrastructure during a flood.
          • The article mentions Gov. Gavin Newsom activating the state's operations center, which may be affected by flooding or other natural disasters that impact the state's economy and infrastructure.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            Steve Almasy has a conflict of interest on the topic of California flood alerts as he is reporting for CNN which is owned by AT&T. This company has financial interests in the telecommunications industry and may benefit from any disruptions caused by flooding.

            66%

            • Unique Points
              • The upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on how much bond supply there will be
              • A rockslide was reported near Gaviota on U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, where the NWS had issued a Flash Flood Warning until 10:30 a.m.
              • The severe weather threat in Central and Northern California on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024
              • Lingering rain showers are not ruled out in Central Florida Monday morning for the Xfinity Series opener
              • A look at the exclusive FOX Weather future radar and clouds in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Monday
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (30%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title mentions a tornado threat but does not provide any context or information about it. This could lead readers to believe that there is a significant risk of tornadoes when in fact the likelihood of them occurring is low.
              • The article states 'rare tornado threat' without providing any details on what makes this rare and how likely it actually is.
            • Fallacies (75%)
              The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the National Weather Service reported flooded roads and a rockslide in California on Monday morning. However, this does not necessarily mean that these events were caused by the severe weather or even if they are true at all.
              • The article states 'Flooded roads were already reported early Monday in the Sacramento and San Jose areas, according to the National Weather Service.' This is an appeal to authority as it implies that what was reported by NWS is accurate without providing any evidence or context.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
              • > Not only will the state be threatened by intense rain and wind, but severe weather is also possible, including a rare tornado threat across portions of the Sacramento Valley.<br> <b>Religious Bias:</b><br>
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                Heather Brinkmann has a conflict of interest on the topic of tornado threat as she is an employee of FOX Weather which provides coverage for Daytona International Speedway.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  Heather Brinkmann has a conflict of interest on the topics of California storm and tornado threat as she is an employee of FOX Weather which covers these topics.

                  76%

                  • Unique Points
                    • Another atmospheric river is bringing heavy rainfall and snow to the U.S. West Coast starting Sunday
                    • Soils in southern and central California remain well saturated from previous precipitation, increasing flood risk
                    • `A couple of inches of rain can be expected to fall across the lower elevations of northern California while coastal central to southern California is expected to receive the heaviest rains totaling a few inches through the next couple of days`
                    • Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected through Wednesday in the region, with high-elevation snow, strong winds, flooding and possible power outages`
                    • California Gov. Gavin Newsom℧s office activated the State Operations Center on Sunday to help coordinate state, local and federal response℧
                    • There is a moderate risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding in central and Southern California mountain ranges on Sunday`
                  • Accuracy
                    • Nearly the entire population of California remains under flood alerts
                    • Parts of California are still recovering from an atmospheric river earlier this month that brought mudslides and historic rainfall to Los Angeles
                  • Deception (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Fallacies (70%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service (NWS) multiple times without providing any context or criticism of their statements. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential for flooding and other hazards as a
                    • The NWS said in a Monday morning forecast discussion.
                    • Santa Barbara County officials issued evacuation warnings over the weekend due to the risk of multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers with a chance of thunderstorms.
                  • Bias (80%)
                    The article contains a lot of information about the incoming storm and its potential impact on California. However, there are some examples that suggest bias in the reporting.
                    • <b>A couple of inches</b> can be expected to fall across the lower elevations of northern California while coastal central to southern California is expected to receive the heaviest rains totaling a few inches through the next couple of days.
                      • The NWS' L.A. office said <i>the region could expect moderate</i> rainfall through Wednesday, with high-elevation snow, strong winds, flooding and possible power outages.
                        • > The U.S. West Coast faces a fresh round of heavy rainfall and snow this week
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          Rebecca Falconer has a conflict of interest on the topic of California flooding as she is an employee at CIRA (Center for Atmospheric Research and Applications), which provides weather forecasting services to NWS Weather Prediction Center. This creates a potential bias in her reporting.
                          • Rebecca Falconer mentions that 'the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued flood warnings for parts of California' (https://www.axios.com/2024/02-18/california-atmospheric-river-storm-flooding). This statement implies a professional affiliation with NOAA, as Rebecca Falconer works at CIRA which is funded by NOAA.
                            • Rebecca Falconer reports on the atmospheric river flood threat facing California, stating that 'the storm-hit state is bracing for another round of flooding' (https://www.axios.com/2024/02/18/california-atmospheric-river-storm-flooding). This statement implies a personal interest in the topic, as Rebecca Falconer works at CIRA which provides weather forecasting services to NWS Weather Prediction Center.
                              • Rebecca Falconer reports on the impact of the storms and flooding in California, stating that 'the state has already experienced some of its worst rainfall on record' (https://www.axios.com/2024/02-18/california-atmospheric-river-storm-flooding). This statement implies a personal interest in the topic, as Rebecca Falconer lives and works in California.
                              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                Rebecca Falconer has a conflict of interest on the topics of California and atmospheric river flood threat as she is reporting for Axios which is owned by Comcast. Comcast also owns CIRA (Center for Interactive Research in Advertising) which may have an interest in the topic.
                                • Rebecca Falconer reports on the storm-hit California and atmospheric river flood threat, but does not disclose her employer's ownership of CIRA.
                                  • The article mentions that Axios is owned by Comcast which also owns CIRA.

                                  81%

                                  • Unique Points
                                    • A significant risk of flooding, as well as mudslides and landslides is expected in Southern California due to a multi-day winter storm starting today.
                                    • <br>Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Los Angeles County from Sunday evening until Wednesday morning with higher intensity rates up north.
                                    • <br>Los Angeles County should not let down its guard despite not being the winner this time overall in terms of rain, as it has greater vulnerability especially up in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills.
                                    • Evacuations, closures are areas of concern as well as tips for driving in rain, staying safe when winds are high and staying warm.
                                    • <br>Sign up for emergency alerts is also mentioned.
                                  • Accuracy
                                    • Nearly the entire population of California remains under flood alerts
                                    • Significant flooding is possible in some areas with up to 10 inches in isolated areas of the Santa Lucias and Santa Ynez ranges
                                    • Multiple rounds of moderate to heavy showers, and perhaps a couple of thunderstorms, are expected from this evening through Wednesday morning
                                  • Deception (100%)
                                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                                  • Fallacies (100%)
                                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                                  • Bias (75%)
                                    The article contains a call to action for readers to support the source of local news and encourages them to donate money. This is an example of monetary bias.
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                                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                                      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of mudslides and landslides as they are in Ventura County.