California Braces, for Back-to-Back , 'Pineapple Express' Storms. On February 1, the West Coast of the United States was bracing for severe weather, with over 22 million people under flood alerts.
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NBC reports that both state and local officials have already taken action to limit potential damage and disruption from two powerful Pacific storms. .
Approximately 32 million people are also under high wind alerts, bringing the potential of widespread power outages as the pair of storms approach.
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The first of the storms is forecast to hit on February 1, while the second storm is expected to hit on February 4 and carry into February 5.
Both storms could be categorized as "Pineapple Express" storms, having originated in the subtropics of Hawaii.
Further inland, the storms are expected to carry heavy snow, with over one million people under winter weather alerts.
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According to National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Hart, areas above 7,000 feet could experience as much as 18 inches of snow.
NBC reports that Southern California is predicted to receive the worst of the rain from the February 1 storm.
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NBC reports that Southern California is predicted to receive the worst of the rain from the February 1 storm.
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The state, which is already recovering from recent record- breaking rainfall and flooding, can expect the second stronger storm to bring heavy winds, rain and snow.
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According to the California Department of Water Resources, 5 million sandbags and over 62,000 flood- blocking "super sacks" were on ready to combat flooding.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, 5 million sandbags and over 62,000 flood- blocking "super sacks" were on ready to combat flooding
