US Pineapple Express

Image: Climatecentral.org

A fierce storm battering the US West Coast is set to bring much needed rainfall to growers in California over the next two days.

The National Weather Service said the system, commonly known as the Pineapple Express, could be “one of the strongest storms to hit the region since 2009”. It is expected to dump 3-6 inches of rain in northern California and some areas could see as much as 9 inches.

“While the storm will bring major problems, including flooding, mudslides and damaging winds, it will bring much needed rain to the region,” said Alex Sosnowski of AccuWeather, adding that runoff from the storm could cause streams to surge before emptying into lakes and reservoirs.

“We are certainly grateful for this water,’ Cindy Jewel of California Giant Berry Farms told AndNowUKnow. “We’ve already planted our northern districts and our growers arenow focused on ensuring there is proper drainage in place to prevent flooding.”