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