A bill to support national meteorologists in predicting atmospheric rivers was introduced Friday, which can have devastating impact on Southern California communities, including the Santa Clarita Valley.

Friday, Congressmen Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, and Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia, introduced the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act, which would establish a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve the forecasting of atmospheric rivers, powerful storms that carry the risk of severe flooding and snowfall that caused substantial damage across the state this year.

Atmospheric rivers caused major flooding this past winter in #CA27, especially in Lake Hughes, wiping out roads and damaging homes and property in our communities. Today, I introduced the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act, legislation that would lead to better atmospheric…

— Rep. Mike Garcia (@RepMikeGarcia) June 9, 2023

California was hit with at least twelve atmospheric rivers this past winter, dumping more than thirty trillion gallons of water on the state, and resulting in the loss of life and property damage.

“Atmospheric rivers caused major flooding this past winter in CA-27, especially in Lake Hughes, wiping out roads and damaging homes and property in our communities,” Garcia said. “The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act is a critical bill that will lead to better atmospheric river forecasting to mitigate the loss of life and property.”

In September 2022, the Lake Hughes and Green Valley communities, both of which were heavily affected by the Lake Fire in 2020, experienced major damage due to heavy rains and mudslides.

Due to the storm last night we have had to enact road closures. Elizabeth Lake Road just west of Johnson Rd in Lake Hughes will be closed for the remainder of the day.

Please stay away and do not go through the barriers, as you will be turned back around by CHP. #AV411 #PLM26 pic.twitter.com/hWhZpa4Td0

— LASD Palmdale Stn. (@PalmdaleSheriff) September 12, 2022

A fast-moving flood of water and mud trapped nearly a dozen vehicles, as well as a team of responding firefighters who were reportedly working to get trapped drivers out of their vehicles and to higher ground.

“Additionally, better forecasting will allow us to capture more water from atmospheric river events to help vulnerable communities withstand the dry season,” Garcia said of the bill. “This legislation will equip us with the tools to fortify our communities against severe weather and better utilize the precipitation to insulate those same communities against drought; a win-win for California.”

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