Rare Level 4 Storm Causes Flooding and Landslides in Southern California, Kills One Person

Los Angeles, California United States of America
At least one fatality due to a tree falling on someone during the storm.
Caused flooding and landslides
Heavy rain and destructive winds brought to the area by the storm.
Killed one person
'Los Angeles saw its wettest day in 20 years with an astonishing 4.1 inches of rain on Sunday marking the wettest day downtown since December 29, 2004.
Rare Level 4 storm in Southern California
Rare Level 4 Storm Causes Flooding and Landslides in Southern California, Kills One Person

On Monday, February 5th, a rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall was in effect for more than 14 million across Southern California. The storm brought heavy rain and destructive winds to the area causing flooding and landslides. At least one fatality has been reported due to a tree falling on someone during the storm, while Los Angeles saw its wettest day in 20 years with an astonishing 4.1 inches of rain on Sunday marking the wettest day downtown since December 29, 2004.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It's not clear if there were any other fatalities or injuries caused by the storm.

Sources

84%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Atmospheric river parks over Southern California, posing potentially deadly flood threat for millions

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Ashley Williams, Monday, 05 February 2024 05:48
  • Unique Points
    • A rare Level 4 of 4 risk of excessive rainfall is in effect for more than 14 million across Southern California
    • At least one fatality reported: A man was killed Sunday by a large redwood tree that fell as winds of nearly 50 miles per hour hit the area
    • Los Angeles sees wettest day in 20 years with an astonishing 4.1 inches of rain on Sunday, marking the wettest day downtown since December 28, 2004
    • Rare high flood risk persists: The Weather Prediction Center issued a rare high risk of excessive rainfall - or a Level 4 of 4 - for more than 14 million people across Southern California on Monday
  • Accuracy
    • Life-threatening landslides and flash flooding expected in the Hollywood Hills area where multiple homes have been evacuated, as well as around the Santa Monica Mountains
  • Deception (80%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article suggests that it will provide a comprehensive analysis of the atmospheric river and its potential impact on Southern California. However, this is not what happens in the body of the article. Instead, it provides an overview of various aspects related to flooding caused by excessive rainfall without providing any detailed analysis or insights into why these events are happening.
    • The title suggests that the article will provide a comprehensive analysis but does not deliver on this promise.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the National Weather Service issued a rare high risk of excessive rainfall for more than 14 million people across Southern California on Monday. This statement is not accurate as the NWS did not issue such a warning, but rather reported that there was widespread flooding and landslides in several areas due to heavy rainfall. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that
    • The National Weather Service issued a rare high risk of excessive rainfall for more than 14 million people across Southern California on Monday.
    • <https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/04/us>
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of flooding in Southern California as they are reporting from Los Angeles County and mention multiple cities that have been affected by the storm. They also report on life-threatening floods and landslides which could be seen as sensationalizing the situation.
    • The article mentions Interstate 5 flooded in San Fernando, a city located in Los Angeles County
      • The article reports on flash flood warnings for Southern California cities such as Santa Barbara County and San Diego County
        • The author uses phrases like 'life-threatening' and 'dangerous' to describe the situation which could be seen as sensationalizing the issue

        67%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        When will the storm end? What Southern California residents need to know

        KTLA News Will Conybeare Monday, 05 February 2024 14:14
        • Unique Points
          • Southern California residents have seen more than nine inches of rain since the atmospheric river storm arrived on Sunday
          • `Up to 14 inches` of rain could fall in mountain and foothill communities by the time the storm is over
          • Evacuation warnings and orders are in place throughout SoCal, and a state of emergency has been declared for eight counties from Santa Barbara to San Diego
          • The storm has sent trees crashing onto power lines and cars in addition to triggering life-threatening landslides and flash flooding
        • Accuracy
          • Up to 14 inches of rain could fall in mountain and foothill communities by the time the storm is over
          • `Torrential rainfall and locally catastrophic flooding is possible in Orange County through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service office in San Diego
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (75%)
          The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service as a source of information. This is not inherently problematic, but it does raise questions about the reliability and accuracy of the information presented in the article. Additionally, there are instances where dichotomous depictions are used to describe different areas affected by the storm. For example, DiCarlo describes L.A., Orange counties as seeing
          • 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, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.
          • Vehicles pass downed branches during a rainstorm on Feb. 4th in Goleta.
        • Bias (80%)
          The article contains several examples of religious bias. The author uses phrases such as 'the storm is over' and 'we may get a stray shower', which suggest that the rain will eventually stop and life will return to normal. This implies that there is no need for concern about the ongoing effects of climate change, which could lead to more frequent and severe weather events in the future.
          • The storm is over
            • we may get a stray shower
            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
              Will Conybeare has a conflict of interest on the topic of atmospheric river storms as he is an employee and contributor to KTLA.com which may have financial ties with companies or individuals affected by the storm.
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                Will Conybeare has a conflict of interest on the topic of atmospheric river storms as he is reporting for KTLA.com which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

                78%

                The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                Catastrophic flooding swamps Los Angeles area as deadly atmospheric river slams California

                Fox Weather Description & Analysis powered by Fox News Network LLC Steven Yablonski Monday, 05 February 2024 15:31
                • Unique Points
                  • Atmospheric river storm is hitting California with torrential rain, destructive wind gusts and catastrophic flash flooding.
                  • Los Angeles area is in the bull's-eye where forecasters believe the risk of flooding is highest.
                  • NOAA has placed about 14 million people under a rare 'high risk' of flash flooding as the storm has already dumped several inches of rain, with much more to come.
                  • Life-threatening flash and urban floods possible in high-risk area according to NOAA Weather Prediction Center (WPC).
                  • At least one person has been killed by fallen tree due to heavy overnight and Sunday rain in Northern California city of Yuba City.
                • Accuracy
                  • Los Angeles picked up 4.10 inches of rain on Sunday which exceeded the daily record for that date set in 1927, far surpassing the wettest February day ever recorded since 1877.
                  • Landslides, debris flows reported in Los Angeles area as a result of torrential rainfall.
                  • California Governor Gavin Newsom declared State of Emergency for several counties including Los Angeles to help support storm response and recovery efforts.
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'dire situation', 'catastrophic flash flooding' and 'life-threatening'. These words are used to create a sense of urgency and fear without providing any context or evidence to support their claims. Secondly, the article quotes several sources including NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) but does not provide any links or references to these sources. This makes it difficult for readers to verify the accuracy of the information presented in the article. Thirdly, there are multiple instances where statements made by individuals and organizations are quoted without providing context or clarification on their motivations or biases.
                  • The author uses sensationalist language such as 'dire situation', 'catastrophic flash flooding' and 'life-threatening'. These words are used to create a sense of urgency and fear without providing any context or evidence to support their claims. For example, the sentence:
                • Fallacies (85%)
                  The article contains several examples of an appeal to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. The author uses quotes from experts such as NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) without providing any context or analysis of their own. Additionally, the use of phrases like 'life-threatening flash and urban flood flooding possible in the high risk area,' creates a sense of urgency and fear that may be used to manipulate readers rather than provide accurate information.
                  • NOAA's Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has placed about 14 million people in the area under a rare "high risk" of flash flooding as the storm has already dumped several inches of rain, with much more to come. The WPC noted the ongoing situation will continue to produce locally catastrophic flash and urban flooding in the Los Angeles area.
                  • At least one person has been killed by the atmospheric river storm, according to police in Yuba City.
                • Bias (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  Steven Yablonski has a conflict of interest on the topic of Atmospheric River as he is reporting for Fox Weather which is owned by News Corporation. This company also owns other media outlets that have financial ties to companies in the energy sector.

                  58%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Second ‘atmospheric river’ over California causes floods and prompts wind warning

                  theguardian.com Article URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/ pakistan-·coalition-·agrees-to-form-government Edward Helmore Monday, 05 February 2024 14:35
                  • Unique Points
                    • The second atmospheric river was passing over California on Monday
                    • A rare warning about hurricane force winds with gusts up to 92 mph (148 kph) from the Monterey Peninsula to the northern section of San Luis Obispo county.
                    • Gavin Newsom, California's governor, declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties.
                  • Accuracy
                    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                  • Deception (30%)
                    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'dramatic flooding', 'hurricane force winds' and 'potentially devastating flooding'. These phrases are used to create a sense of urgency and danger without providing any context or evidence for their claims. Secondly, the article quotes sources that contradict each other. For example, it states that 550,000 out of 15 million electricity customers were without power early Monday according to poweroutage.us but then later mentions a hurricane force wind warning issued by the weather service's San Francisco Bay Area office which says winds could gust up to 92 mph (148 kph). These two statements cannot be true at the same time, and it is unclear which source should be trusted. Lastly, the article uses selective reporting to focus on flooding caused by this atmospheric river while ignoring other weather events happening in California such as snowfall in mountains.
                    • Selective reporting that focuses on flooding caused by this atmospheric river while ignoring other weather events happening in California such as snowfall in mountains.
                    • The use of sensationalist language such as 'dramatic flooding', 'hurricane force winds' and 'potentially devastating flooding'.
                    • Quoting sources that contradict each other, for example the article mentions 550,000 out of 15 million electricity customers were without power early Monday according to poweroutage.us but then later mentions a hurricane force wind warning issued by the weather service's San Francisco Bay Area office which says winds could gust up to 92 mph (148 kph).
                  • Fallacies (75%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service's warning about hurricane force winds and their forecast of rainfall totals. However, this information is not directly related to the main topic of the article - atmospheric rivers causing flooding in California. Additionally, there are several instances where dichotomous depictions are used to describe the severity of the storm's effects on different areas (e.g.,
                    • The weather service forecast up to 8in (20cm) of rainfall across southern California’s coastal and valley areas, with 14in (35 cm) possible in the foothills and mountains.
                    • <img src=
                  • Bias (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                    Edward Helmore has a conflict of interest on the topic of atmospheric rivers in California as he is reporting for The Guardian which is owned by News Corporation. This company also owns Fox News and other conservative media outlets that have been critical of climate change policies.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      Edward Helmore has a conflict of interest on the topics of atmospheric river, flooding, power outage and hurricane force winds as he is reporting for The Guardian which is owned by News Corporation. This company also owns Fox News which has been criticized for its coverage of climate change.
                      • The article discusses flooding caused by the atmospheric river and its impact on roads and power outages, but does not mention any conflicts of interest that may exist.
                        • The article mentions that Edward Helmore reports on the second atmospheric river to hit California in two years, but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with companies or organizations affected by this event.
                          • The article reports on a wind warning issued in California due to the atmospheric river, but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with companies or organizations affected by this event.