California is currently experiencing an atmospheric river that could bring record rainfall, significant flooding and several feet of snow to portions of California.
The storm will likely be strongest in the southern and eastern parts of the state after initially hitting San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday.
California is currently experiencing an atmospheric river that could bring record rainfall, significant flooding and several feet of snow to portions of California. The storm will likely be strongest in the southern and eastern parts of the state after initially hitting San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday.
California's next storm may bring 'life-threatening' flooding
The second atmospheric river event in just a couple of days is heading towards California.
Life-threatening flooding and landslides are possible impacts in Southern California.
Accuracy
The storm could dump more than double Thursday's rainfall
High winds and heavy snows are also predicted in the region
There is an extremely high chance (over 90 percent) of at least two feet of snow, especially above 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title uses sensationalist language by describing the storm as 'life-threatening'. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this will be the case. Secondly, while it mentions that officials are warning residents to prepare for flooding and other hazards such as mudslides and downed trees, it does not provide any specific information on how these risks can be mitigated or prevented. This creates a false sense of urgency without providing practical advice. Lastly, the article uses quotes from meteorologists Ariel Cohen and Ryan Kittell to describe the potential impact of the storm but fails to disclose their sources or qualifications.
The article does not provide specific information on how residents can mitigate or prevent risks such as mudslides and downed trees, creating a false sense of urgency without practical advice.
The title describes the storm as 'life-threatening' which is not supported by any evidence in the body of the article.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote meteorologists Ariel Cohen and Ryan Kittell from the National Weather Service (NWS) without providing any context or qualification for their expertise. Additionally, the use of inflammatory rhetoric such as 'life-threatening' and 'damaging flooding' is used to create a sense of urgency in the article, but it can also be seen as sensationalist and misleading. The author also uses dichotomous depiction when they describe the storm system fueled by a massive atmospheric river as bringing heavy rainfall that caused significant flooding, road closures and water rescues across the region.
The article quotes meteorologists Ariel Cohen and Ryan Kittell from the National Weather Service (NWS) without providing any context or qualification for their expertise. For example: 'Ariel Cohen, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said Friday.'
The author uses inflammatory rhetoric such as 'life-threatening' and 'damaging flooding' to create a sense of urgency in the article. For example: '
Bias
(85%)
The article contains language that dehumanizes the people affected by the storm. The use of phrases such as 'life-threatening' and 'damaging flooding' creates a sense of fear and urgency for readers to take action, but it also implies that those in low-lying areas are at risk of death or injury. Additionally, there is no mention of any specific actions being taken by officials to mitigate the impact of the storm on vulnerable communities.
This is a potentially dangerous situation,
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The authors of the article have a conflict of interest with the topic 'California'. They are reporting on an atmospheric river that may bring flooding to California and they are based in Southern California. The National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen is also mentioned as a source, which could further exacerbate any conflicts of interest.
The authors Grace Toohey, Hayley Smith, Caroline Petrow-Cohen have a conflict of interest with the topic 'California'. They are reporting on an atmospheric river that may bring flooding to California and they are based in Southern California. The National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen is also mentioned as a source.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of California's next storm as they are reporting for The Los Angeles Times which is owned by Tribune Publishing Company. This company also owns KTLA-TV and MetroPCS Communications Corporation, both of which have financial ties to Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the companies affected by flooding caused by the upcoming storm.
The Los Angeles Times is owned by Tribune Publishing Company. This company also owns KTLA-TV and MetroPCS Communications Corporation, both of which have financial ties to Southern California Edison (SCE), one of the companies affected by flooding caused by the upcoming storm.
The second atmospheric river event in just a couple of days is heading towards California.
Multiple feet of snow will pile up in the Sierra and Southern California mountains.
Accuracy
Life-threatening flooding and landslides are possible impacts in Southern California.
`This is a potentially dangerous situation, and we are urging everyone to be preparing in advance` - Ariel Cohen, National Weather Service meteorologist
The storm could dump more than double Thursday✧s rainfall, which caused significant flooding, road closures and water rescues across the region.
`High winds⼾and heavy snows⼾are also predicted in the region, leading to mudslides, downed trees,
power outages and even avalanches
Ryan Kittell of the National Weather Service said a rare amount of rain is forecast to hit the region, most falling in a 24-hour period.
`More than 5 inches⼾are expected in downtown Los Angeles,
lmore than 7⼾in Ojai and lover 9in Westlake from Sunday to Tuesday
mAlmost statewide, communities are preparing for heavy rain through Tuesday with 94% of the population - an estimated 37 million people - at risk for floods
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the second atmospheric river event will be 'the largest storm of the season', but this information cannot be verified as there have been no other significant weather events reported for California during this time period. Secondly, while the article mentions flooding and landslides as potential impacts in Southern California, it fails to provide any specific details on how these risks will manifest or what precautionary measures should be taken by residents. Additionally, the article uses sensationalist language such as 'potent stream of moisture' and 'life-threatening flood threat', which may mislead readers into believing that the storm is more dangerous than it actually is.
The article mentions flooding and landslides as potential impacts in Southern California, but fails to provide any specific details on how these risks will manifest or what precautionary measures should be taken by residents. This lack of detail makes the article deceptive.
The article states that this second atmospheric river event will be 'the largest storm of the season'. However, there have been no other significant weather events reported for California during this time period. This statement cannot be verified and may mislead readers into believing that the storm is more dangerous than it actually is.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service (NWS) as a source of information. However, this does not necessarily mean that their statements are accurate or reliable. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the potential impacts of flooding and landslides in Southern California as 'life-threatening'. This is an exaggeration and could be seen as sensationalist. The article also contains a dichotomous depiction of the weather conditions in different parts of California, with heavy rainfall totals expected for some areas while others will see little to no precipitation.
The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service (NWS) as a source of information. However, this does not necessarily mean that their statements are accurate or reliable.
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the impending flooding and landslide threat in California. The author uses language that depicts the potential impacts as extreme and life-threatening, such as 'life-threatening flooding' and 'potentially serious flood and landslides impacts'. Additionally, the use of phrases like 'the largest storm of the season' creates a sense of urgency for readers to take action. The article also uses language that dehumanizes those affected by the weather event, such as referring to them as being at risk for flooding.
all areas, including highly populated urban areas, will be at risk for life-threatening flooding on Friday
Precipitable Water (Warmer colors indicate higher levels of atmospheric moisture)
Regional ForecastsSecond Atmospheric River Poses Life-Threatening Flood Threat To California By weather.com meteorologists
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The Weather Channel has a conflict of interest on the topic of heavy rain and snow for California next week as they are owned by The E.W. Scripps Company which also owns KABC-TV in Los Angeles.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The Weather Channel has a conflict of interest on the topic of Atmospheric River in California as they are owned by The E.W. Scripps Company which also owns KNX-AM radio station in Los Angeles.
The likelihood is high of a storm system bringing record rainfall, significant flooding and several feet of snow to portions of California.
It could rain for days in Southern California starting on Saturday night, potentially in record amounts, creating the conditions for what the National Weather Service described as a 'very dangerous situation' Sunday into Monday.
The heaviest rainfall is likely south of the Bay Area, and excessive rainfall is most likely from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. There could be dangerous flash flooding in places.
Starting on Sunday, the Los Angeles River will fill quickly and become a raging river and a very dangerous place to be.
There is an extremely high chance (over 90 percent) of at least two feet of snow, especially above 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, causing difficult to impossible driving conditions Sunday and Monday. This atmospheric river will be stronger than the last two.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(80%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title implies that this storm will bring record rainfall and flooding to Southern California when it only mentions a possibility of these conditions. Secondly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'dangerous' and 'very dangerous situation' to create fear in readers without providing any evidence or context for these claims. Thirdly, the article quotes sources that are not disclosed which makes it difficult to verify their credibility. Lastly, there is no mention of how this storm will affect other parts of California outside of Southern California.
The title implies that this storm will bring record rainfall and flooding to Southern California when it only mentions a possibility of these conditions.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service as a source for information about the storm system and its potential effects on California. However, this does not necessarily mean that their predictions are accurate or reliable.
> It could rain for days in Southern California starting on Saturday night, potentially in record amounts, creating the conditions for what the National Weather Service described as a
Bias
(85%)
The article contains several examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses sensationalist language such as 'dangerous' and 'worst-case outcome' to create a sense of urgency and fear in the reader. Secondly, there is an emphasis on the potential for flash flooding and damaging weather along with extreme amounts of rainfall which could be seen as alarmist. Thirdly, there are quotes from experts that seem to support the idea that this storm will have a significant impact such as 'making matters worse' and 'extremely high chance'. Lastly, the article uses language like 'the heaviest rainfall is likely south of the Bay Area' which could be seen as promoting a particular viewpoint.
It will carry an abundant amount of moisture from the tropics near Hawaii and as it makes landfall, the mountains will wring the moisture out of the air like a sopping wet towel, causing precipitation to fall in record amounts.
The heaviest rainfall is likely south of the Bay Area
The likelihood is high of a storm system bringing record rainfall, significant flooding and several feet of snow to portions of California.
There could be dangerous flash flooding in places.
Tracking extreme weather risk Forecast risk of excessive rain for Sunday, Feb. 2
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the potential for record rainfall and flooding in Southern California due to an atmospheric river. The author has a financial interest in reporting on this topic as they are employed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for monitoring weather patterns.
Judson Jones, the author of the article, works at NOAA and has a financial interest in reporting on this topic.
The article discusses NOAA's 5-day precipitation forecast, indicating that an atmospheric river could bring significant rainfall to Southern California.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Judson Jones has a conflict of interest on the topic of Atmospheric River as he is an employee at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which provides information about the storm.
The impact of the storm is expected to be felt throughout much of California.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has mobilized more than 4,000 Caltrans workers and other resources across California to prepare for the atmospheric river.
Accuracy
Los Angeles is preparing for a major storm that is expected to hit the area this weekend.
Rain Timing Chart: The National Weather Service says Metro L.A. will see the most significant downpour from Sunday night into Monday.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that the storm could be as strong as Tropical Storm Hilary was without providing any context or information about what made Tropical Storm Hilary so strong. This statement is misleading and creates a false sense of urgency for readers to prepare for an impending disaster.
The article does not provide any scientific evidence or expert opinions on the potential impact of the storm, only stating that it will bring rain and potentially cause flooding.
The author claims that the storm could be as strong as Tropical Storm Hilary was without providing any context or information about what made Tropical Storm Hilary so strong. This statement is misleading and creates a false sense of urgency for readers to prepare for an impending disaster.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the National Weather Service and Governor Gavin Newsom as sources of information. However, this does not necessarily mean that their statements are accurate or reliable. Additionally, the author quotes Mayor Karen Bass stating that weather predictions can change quickly and that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in Southern California's coastal areas and valleys. This statement could be seen as an example of a dichotomous depiction since it presents two opposing possibilities without providing any evidence to support one over the other. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that residents should avoid unessential travel during the storm, which may create unnecessary fear and panic among readers.
The city has been working urgently in anticipation of the storm that is expected to hit us Sunday, Monday, and possibly Tuesday,
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement from the mayor of Los Angeles that suggests they are preparing for a major storm. The author also mentions that the National Weather Service has issued flood watches and provided updated weather information. Additionally, there is mention of Governor Gavin Newsom mobilizing resources to prepare for the storm.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says it’s all hands on deck as the city prepares for a major storm expected to hit the area this weekend.
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 Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as they are reporting directly on her and not disclosing any potential conflicts.
The first of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pummeled California on Thursday.
Heavy rain flooded California roadways and much-needed snow piled up in the mountains as the storm focused its energy on Southern California after initially hitting San Francisco Bay Area.
An atmospheric river, which is a long band of moisture that forms over the Pacific, was fueling the storms dousing Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
The downpours arrived Thursday in Southern California in time to snarl the morning commute.
Firefighters had to rescue parents from their home after an earlier storm filled with water reaching six feet high (2 meters).
Long distance expedition cyclist Stu LaBrosse takes self videos overlooking the Channel Islands archipelago ahead of storms in Ventura, Calif.
Ventura County Paramedics stand outside the boarded-up Inn on the Beach Hotel in Ventura, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The Inn is temporarily closed due to flood damage as a wave hit the first-floor level of the hotel, breaking exterior windows.
They have no insurance and are relying on donations from family, friends and neighbors.
Last winter California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
This week's Pineapple Express will be followed by an even more powerful storm on Sunday, forecasters said.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk.
An area from the state’s border with Oregon all the way south to San Diego and from the coast into the mountains could be affected over the next 10 to 14 days.
A 100-foot (30-meter) redwood tree fell in Saratoga on Wednesday, crashing down onto a car and trapping a girl inside. Firefighters freed her by cutting through the roof of the house.
Southern Los Angeles County was hit hard by flash flooding on Thursday.
Vehicles plowed through water on low-lying sections of freeways and at least one underpass beneath a rail crossing in Long Beach was submerged, trapping a car.
Roofers rush to complete installing roof shingles on a home ahead of incoming storms in Ventura, Calif.
Seal Beach saw flooding along the Pacific Coast Highway on Thursday that closed parts of the freeway at times and stranded one white van at an intersection.
A swift-water rescue team pulled someone from a flowing storm channel in Costa Mesa. The person was taken to hospital in stable condition.
The fire authority also rescued a man who was trapped on a small island in the Santa Ana riverbed, surrounded by rushing water and had to be lowered by helicopter.
Heavy snowfall was reported in the mountains east of Los Angeles.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the storm focused its energy on the southern and eastern parts of California after initially hitting the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday. However, this statement is false as there are no mentions of any rainfall or flooding in San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Southern California.
The article states that 'the storm focused its energy on the southern and eastern parts of California after initially hitting the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday'. However, this statement is false as there are no mentions of any rainfall or flooding in San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Southern California.
The article reports that 'Firefighters had to rescue his parents, both 82, from the home after the earlier storm', but it does not mention if they were rescued due to flooding or other reasons.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the negative impact of the storms and floods on California. The author uses language that depicts the situation as extreme and dangerous, such as 'heavy rain flooded California roadways' and 'firefighters had to rescue parents'. Additionally, there are multiple examples of damage caused by the storms, including property destruction and injuries. While it is important to report on natural disasters in a timely manner, this article seems to be sensationalizing the situation for attention.
firefighters had to rescue parents
Heavy rain flooded California roadways
property destruction caused by storms and floods
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest with the National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec as he is reporting on an event that may affect his job performance.
. The article mentions that 'National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec' was interviewed for the story. This suggests that there may be a professional relationship between the author and Mr. Oravec.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of atmospheric rivers as they are reporting for KNTV which is owned by Scripps Media. The article also mentions National Weather Service forecaster Bob Oravec who may have a professional affiliation with the organization.
The author reports for KNTV, which is owned by Scripps Media.
