National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heavy Rainfall to Bring Flooding Threat to California; Heavy Snow in the Sierra

A strong atmospheric river will bring heavy rainfall to California through the holiday week. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Wednesday in the Los Angeles Basin. Flash and urban flooding is possible. A prolonged heavy snowfall is expected in the Sierra Nevada from the atmospheric river, raising concerns for major snow‐load impacts. Travel may be difficult to impossible over the passes. Read More >

Pictures of the Powell River at Arthur, Tennessee



Flooded river view from the gage
The Powell River at Arthur, Tennessee runs through hilly terrain a few miles from Cumberland Gap. This view was taken from the gage, when the river was at flood stage. The cylinder in the right foreground with the "ruler" on the side is an old bridge support. The "ruler" is the staff gage with markings in feet and tenths of a foot, and is designed to be read visually.


The view downstream from the gage
The view downstream from the gage. As you can see, the river is bankfull. During moderate flooding, the road to the gage is under water.


About a half mile upstream from the gage, looking upstream
About a half mile upstream from the gage, looking upstream. A garden lies under water on the near bank.


View of the Powell Valley upstream of the gage
View of the Powell Valley upstream of the gage. The only road to this location is under water during moderate flooding.


The view downstream during normal flow
The view downstream during normal flow.


View of house in background from near the gage
During the record flood in April 1977, the river entered the second floor of the house in the background. The view is from near the gage.


Point at Powell River where ferries traveled
Ferries were used to cross the Powell River at this point until fairly recently.