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Assembly backs bill to boost atmospheric river forecasting and water planning
Summary
SB 599 would fund extended-range atmospheric river forecasting for the Department of Water Resources; sponsor said atmospheric rivers can produce up to 50% of annual rainfall and account for 94% of flood damage, about $620 million annually; Assembly passed the bill unanimously.
Assemblymember Ward presented SB 599 on behalf of Senator Caballero, describing the measure as intended to support the Department of Water Resources in developing extended-range atmospheric river forecasting at sub-seasonal and seasonal lead times.
Ward told colleagues that atmospheric rivers have become a major driver of precipitation and floods in California, and cited figures on their rainfall and percentage of flood damage: "atmospheric rivers ... responsible for up to 0.5 of the annual rainfall in California and 94% of all flood damage totaling around $620,000,000 annually," according to the floor presentation. Members said improved forecasting would provide lead time for emergency operations and help reduce financial devastation. The clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 59, No 0 and the bill passed on concurrence.
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