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Deadly storms batter California amid holiday travel rush
Three people have died as relentless rainstorms pounded large swaths of California, causing widespread flooding, mudslides, and power outages, state officials confirmed on Thursday. The storms, fueled by atmospheric rivers, are expected to persist through Friday.
Fatalities and rescues
A 64-year-old man in San Diego was killed Wednesday morning when a tree collapsed on him, according to local police. In Redding, a 74-year-old man drowned over the weekend after floodwaters trapped him inside his vehicle during a rescue attempt, the town's mayor told reporters. A third victim, a woman in her 70s, died Monday after a large wave swept her into the ocean at MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County, the sheriff's office said.
Emergency crews have conducted multiple rescues, including freeing motorists stranded in rising floodwaters. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and other southern counties on Wednesday.
Widespread damage and evacuations
Los Angeles County recorded up to 11 inches (27 centimeters) of rain, forcing evacuations and closing major roads. Nearly 100,000 households across the state were without power as of Thursday evening, utility officials reported.
San Bernardino County issued evacuation warnings for some residents, while the San Francisco Bay Area faced flash flood alerts Thursday morning. Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph (161 km/h) near San Jose, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Wildfire scars worsen flooding risks
In Altadena, near Los Angeles, a mudslide struck an area stripped of vegetation by January's wildfires, reducing the ground's ability to absorb water, CBS News reported. Officials warned that burn scars from recent fires heighten landslide risks during heavy rainfall.
Officials urge caution amid holiday travel
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and pleaded with residents to avoid unnecessary travel. "I am urging all Angelenos to stay safe and be extremely careful on the roads if you absolutely must travel," she said in a Wednesday statement. "Please do not take this storm lightly."
The storms, driven by tropical moisture plumes, arrived during one of the year's busiest travel periods, compounding hazards for holiday commuters.
Forecast: More flooding expected
The U.S. Weather Prediction Center warned Thursday of "numerous flash flooding events" and potential river flooding. "Many streams may flood, affecting larger rivers," the agency said.
