California Hit by Series of Storms, Incoming Flood Alert, More Damage Expected

Written by: Arjita Gupta

Edited by: Krutarth

Last Updated: January 09, 2023

The National Weather Service in California warned of several storms and atmospheric river with moisture stretching to the Pacific, amounting to a staggering level of snowfall and rain as the region was strewn with a few showers on Sunday, and an anticipated powerful storm for Monday. The damaging winds already reached the northern part of the state. Also, incoming storms raised eyebrows for the potentiality of mudslides on saturated soils from the ongoing rain, road flooding, and river brimming over the safe point.

Till Sunday evening, around 60,000 customers and more worked without electricity. But after gusts of 97 kph (60 mph), the power lines and trees were knocked down and 350,000 more were affected as per the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Joey Kleemann saw a massive tree fall on her Sacramento home as the howling wind enveloped the midnight. She had lived in this house for the last 25 years. The house roof developed cracks from where the rain came streaming into the dining area.

The strong winds also pulled up the concrete sidewalk and uprooted several trees. Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that due to violent weather over the last 10 days, already 12 people have lost their lives and he warned that the storms this week can turn out to be more dangerous. Gavin has requested people to stay indoors. The region is bracing for the expected flood and several storms that can cause widespread power outages and difficult driving conditions, along with damage to households, the flora, and fauna.

Earlier warnings to start with evacuation came in when the Russian River swelled and overspilled affecting 13,000 residents from Sonoma County north of San Francisco. Sacramento County has also placed an order to evacuate people residing in Wilton and around. There is the possibility of impending floods here. A storm previously had already flooded the Cosumnes River. Roads have become impassable.

A stretch of U.S. 395 in Mono County had been closed because of the whiteout conditions from heavy snow. The state Department of Transportation has asked people to avoid non-essential travel till the storms exist. The worsened Pacific weather also had instances of battered coastline, flooded streets, and fatalities. Through Wednesday, the expectation of 6 to 12 inches of rain brews over Northern and Central California.

While for the Los Angeles region, giant waves on beaches that face west and high turn may impact throughout Tuesday. Stormy conditions will prevail and stay until Monday with expected snow to reach 8 inches in foothill areas. Observation is for the three other systemic falls approaching the area.