Five takeaways from California’s record-breaking storms

A series of severe storms hit parts of California shortly after Christmas, causing record-breaking floods, mudslides and white spots across the state.

The storms continued to hit parts of California over the weekend, bringing historic levels of rain to some regions as well as short-term relief for the often drought-stricken state.

Severe rainy weather has also cast doubt on California’s hurricane relief measures, according to some politicians and experts. calling California to try a new approach to flood prevention.

A string of atmospheric rivers, which are streaks of water vapor from the tropics that shed rain or snow upon landfall, are responsible for severe weather. These rivers can dump sediment into the region for several days.

Here are five takeaways from California storms as more storms are expected Sunday night.

Salvation from the storm in sight

Severe storms are expected to continue until Monday morning, with heavy snowfall in mountainous areas. National Weather Service. Flood watch was also published for the San Francisco Bay Area and the State’s Central Coast until Monday noon.

But relief may be in sight. Dry weather will return in most parts of the state by Tuesday. Accuweather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said.. He said areas like Sacramento and Fresno will see dry weather for 24 to 36 hours starting Tuesday, while southern areas like Los Angeles and San Diego could see dry weather until the end of the month.

Central and Northern California are likely to face a new onslaught of storms by the middle of the week, according to Accuweather’s forecast, which could cause more flooding in the area.

As of Thursday, much of California was still in a severe to moderate drought. US Drought Monitor.

At least 19 people died due to the hurricane.

Since the end of December, at least 19 people have died as a result of weather and related hazards, more than double the nine people who died in wildfires in 2022.

Half of these deaths are associated with motorists. According to the Associated Press, some of those deaths could have been avoided if they had heeded the road closure signs, said Sean Dury, acting commissioner of the California Highway Patrol.

The five year old boy was swept away from their mother’s hands when floodwaters swamped their SUV on their way to school last Monday. Officials temporarily halted the search for Kyle Donan on Saturday due to rising water levels in the area, but resumed searches on Sunday, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. statement.

Other causes of death include falling trees and lightning.

“We haven’t had a flood in a long time,” said a spokesman for the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Management. NBC News. “People have a lot of experience fighting fires. We are coming out of years of drought. The public needs to learn a new skill.”

Record rainfall in some regions

Los Angeles received record rainfall over the weekend, and downtown Los Angeles received 1.82 inches on Saturday, beating the 1978 record of 1.56 inches. CBS Los Angeles. At Los Angeles Airport on Saturday, the drop was 1.53 inches, beating the previous record of 1.51 inches, also set in 1978.

Northern California has also seen record rainfall in the past few weeks, with downtown San Francisco receiving 13.6 inches of rain from December 26 to January 11. Reuters. San Francisco International Airport, Oakland and Stockton also recorded 16-day records over the same period, according to Reuters.

National Weather Service warned that more floods would occur from Sunday to Monday, and flood watches and warnings were issued. On Saturday, nearly 26 million people in California were under flood watch.

Biden announced a major disaster

President Biden announced a major disaster in California on Saturday to send federal aid to the storm-hit state.

declaration will send federal aid to assist states, tribes, and local recovery efforts, as well as support people in affected areas, including Sacramento, Santa Cruz, and Merced. Assistance may include funding for temporary housing and loss of property due to the storm.

“Thank you @POTUS for supporting Californians as we continue to be impacted by severe winter storms,” ​​California Gov. Gavin told Newsroom (D) on Twitter.

Biden also announced major disaster in Alabama on Sunday after a tornado hit the state on Thursday.

Landslides, white haze close the roads

Dangerous road conditions have led to the closure of highways in the mountainous area over the past few weeks.

Icy road conditions forced officials to close westbound I-80 in Nevada and eastbound in Colfax Saturday night. The officials have published video snow conditions and reopened Highway Sunday with chain control.

The California Department of Transportation said a traffic delay is expected on Saturday as the department conducted avalanche control on sections of highway in the Sierras. The state also closed sections of Highway 50 to deal with avalanches.

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“Be patient, grab a bite to eat and fill up with a full tank of gas due to heavy traffic and temporary closures at various locations to turn vehicles around and deal with avalanches,” the post reads. statement said. “Expect long delays en route.”

California Highway Patrol in Santa Cruz warned people should not drive on Saturday unless it is “necessary” due to possible floods, sinkholes and downed trees.

“This new wave of storms brings new road closures and new dangers,” the warning says. “Please do not drive unless it is NECESSARY. Be safe and be careful in your surroundings.”

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