California storm

The evacuation order came five years after a mudslide killed 23 people and destroyed homes in the Santa Barbara County community.

Numerous roads were closed amid flash-flood warnings in San Luis Obispo County, where the 5-year-old boy remained missing after he and his mother escaped from a car that was starting to be swept away by floodwaters. At the Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn, several miles southeast of Montecito, a steady stream of people clad in rain gear pulled up in SUVs packed with luggage and provisions. “Currently, we’re experiencing a storm that is causing many problems and has the potential to cause major problems across our county, especially in the burn scar areas.” Southern California, which woke up to soggy skies before a reprieve, was expecting to receive a cascade of rain later Monday and into Tuesday. Up to a foot of rain was expected to soak the already drenched hillsides there on Monday alone, with the area at high risk of mud flows because of recent wildfires that have made soils and vegetation less stable. when the rising waters and rapid current made it too dangerous, he said. In Santa Cruz County, about 70 miles south of San Francisco, more than 30,000 residents were evacuated as creeks and rivers topped their banks, threatened homes and washed away at least one bridge. Katya Cengel contributed reporting from Grover Beach, Calif, and Mike Ives from Seoul. In San Luis Obispo County, north of Santa Barbara, one person was [flash flood warning](https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1612661785462702081) for southwestern Los Angeles County was issued before 7 p.m. Malibu, Hollywood and Beverly Hills were forecast to experience flooding on Monday night. Downtown Los Angeles, Malibu, Hollywood and Beverly Hills were among the places that it said would experience flash flooding caused by heavy rain.

Communities including in celebrity enclave of Montecito, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz told to evacuate as more rain is expected.

More than 36,000 customers remained without power early Monday, down from more than 350,000 a day earlier after gusts of 60mph (97km/h) knocked trees into power lines, according to the [Sacramento municipal utility district](https://www.smud.org/en/Customer-Support/Outage-Status). The strong start to the snowpack, which acts as a savings account of sorts during drier days, is promising, experts say, but there’s no promise of wet weather after these strong storms. “We are in the middle of a deadly barrage of winter storms – and California is using every resource at its disposal to protect lives and limit damage,” he said. Vehicles were turned back at the summit as crews arrived to clean up. “We are taking the threat from these storms seriously and want to make sure that Californians stay vigilant as more storms head our way.” He urged people to stay home and asked Biden to declare a federal emergency to support storm response and recovery efforts. A firefighter discovered one of the boy’s shoes, but crews still had not found the child more than five hours later. Montecito is home to celebrities such as Winfrey, Rob Lowe, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Tens of thousands of people remained without power, and some schools closed for the day. The California department of water resources warned that more than a dozen places were at high risk of flooding. The Montecito fire chief, Kevin Taylor, said at least 8in of rain had fallen in 12 hours, with several more inches expected. Rescuers in Paso Robles had to call off a search for a five-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters in central coastal California.

Much of California can't soak up another drop of rain. Yet the state is getting pummeled again with torrential downpours and ferocious winds, causing power ...

“The cumulative effect of successive heavy rainfall events will lead to additional instances of flooding. Much of the state has already seen 5 to 8 inches of rain over the last week. Fierce winds are expected to accompany the storm as it pushes inland. The rainfall over the weekend brought renewed flood concerns for streams, creeks and rivers. The Sierra Ridge could receive peak gusts between 130 to 150 mph Monday. [powerful cyclone](https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/05/weather/california-bomb-cyclone-flooding-powerful-winds/index.html) that flooded roads, toppled trees and knocked out power last week to much of California. “We are taking the threat from these storms seriously, and want to make sure that Californians stay vigilant as more storms head our way.” Isolated amounts of 6 to more than 10 inches have been observed in the higher terrain near the coast. Have those flashlights, the candles, batteries, charge cell phones at the ready.” The San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County has risen 14 feet in just over four hours and is in major flood stage. Half foot of water, you’re losing control of your vehicle,” Newsom said. Monday marks exactly five years since heavy rains in the area caused

Car sunken in a flooded street. A car is submerged in floodwater after heavy rain moved through the area on Jan. 9, in Windsor, Calif. Photo: Justin Sullivan/ ...

[Flash flood warnings](https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1612460884697444353)were issued for Santa Cruz and counties across the state, as the California Highway Patrol [reported](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-09/montecito-and-santa-barbara-storm-evacuations-road-closures-shelters)water rescues taking place in Santa Cruz and other areas. This will allow federal aid to begin flowing to the state. "As far as we kn0w, this is a historical record," he added. [making the swings wider](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0140-y). [studies have been warning](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0140-y)about for years — human-caused climate change is amplifying the effects of these extremes, making the dry years drier, and the wet periods wetter. [orders](https://twitter.com/sccounty/status/1612444967657705472?s=20&t=tEjdtfptI5uiwn2oAxbmEA)issued in [response](https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/office-of-emergency-services/response/evacuation-guide)to the storm was one for the [entire town](https://twitter.com/countyofsb/status/1612556977464393734?s=20&t=phFCwXnODD0jQhxW9jTNFA)of Montecito in Santa Barbara County, on the fifth anniversary of a mudslide that killed 23 people there, [per AP](https://apnews.com/article/california-flooding-Montecito-evacuation-order-7c151eeaf3f567a125d74245173327f1). [Biden approved](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/09/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-california-emergency-declaration-2/) California's emergency declaration request due to the atmospheric river storms late Sunday. What we're watching: The flood threat on Tuesday looks to be centered more in Southern California, with up to a foot of rain falling in the hills of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. [press conference](https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=889652112327582) with Santa Barbara County officials Monday that parts of the county's mountain and foothills areas could see rainfall totals of nearly a foot. [most powerful](https://www.axios.com/2023/01/09/california-storm-atmospheric-river-flooding-winds) in a "relentless parade" of [atmospheric rivers](https://www.axios.com/2023/01/04/california-atmospheric-river-storm-wind-flooding) is bearing down on California Tuesday through Wednesday. [schools](https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/northern-california-schools-closures/103-fb6379ba-6603-4fcd-bb11-b5f238acd95a) and [roads](https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/2023/01/09/live-updates-deluge-continues-across-county-state/69790697007/) across California due to the threat of "torrential rain, widespread flooding, rapid water rises, mudslides and landslides with possible debris flows, heavy mountain snow and gusty high winds," per the National Weather Service. [noted](https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/hpcdiscussions.php?disc=pmdspd)in a forecast discussion.

A UPS delivery van got stuck on a low-lying flooded street in Ventura County, California. Jan. 9, 2023. “For the Ventura River, timing for reaching flood stage ...

President Joe Biden has approved a federal emergency declaration for California as more storm systems carrying high-powered winds and heavy rain advance on ...

APTOS, Calif. — Chuck Hawley stared out at the waves swirling through Monterey Bay as he prepared to destroy the small beachfront home his parents built by ...

“The Cement Ship, I’m sad, but it’s been deteriorating for years and years.” Earlier storms had already pounded at the cliffs and washed away some barriers, like riprap — giant rocks placed at the edge of the cliffs to protect against erosion — a frightening sight for some residents. “This was by far the worst storm we’ve seen,” said Mr. In the distance, the S.S. This year’s storm rivals 1982’s, “and nothing else in between has come close,” said Carin Hanna, 78, who owns the Craft Gallery gift shop in Capitola, a town next to Santa Cruz. Over the weekend, the river was so swollen that surfers were riding waves headed out to sea, rather than the other direction, and emergency responders warned of flood risks along the banks on Monday. The ferocity of the waves and severity of structural damage recalled, for some residents, memories of the disastrous 1982 storm that flooded rivers, badly damaged a bridge and killed 22 people, including 10 in a landslide that occurred just as a 30-hour rainstorm let up. “We’re very concerned,” said Dave Reid, the director of the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience. Santa Cruz has long been far rainier than its neighboring counties, mostly because of its topography, said Jan Null, a veteran meteorologist and former lead forecaster for the National Weather Service. In the Santa Cruz Mountains, a mudslide shut down two highways, and the San Lorenzo River flooded neighborhoods. These storms have toppled trees, washed out streets and knocked out power for hundreds of thousands, but they have been particularly devastating to the Santa Cruz region, where prolonged rain and wind have combined with the unique topography to inflict recurring damage. The extreme conditions eroded coastlines and beaches, destroyed parts of several piers and forced many to evacuate low-lying homes.

Another "powerful" atmospheric river has struck the West Coast in the coming hours and days, drenching a drought-ravaged region.

The governor's office also submitted a request to the White House for a presidential emergency declaration. The first episode, which began streaming into central California on Sunday night, "is expected to be the more robust of the two," resulting in rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches near the coast, according to the NWS. Out of an abundance of caution, residents must leave now before roads become impassable," the evacuation order stated. "Significant" impacts to travel and infrastructure, including possible power outages, road closures, downed trees and snow load, can also be expected, the NWS said. Rescuers searched for about seven hours and turned up one shoe, according to the report. "Rising water may spill over onto the nearest roadways and cut off access to leave the area. Gavin Newsom warned Sunday that the worst of the storms was yet to come. The second episode is expected to quickly arrive Tuesday with less heavy rainfall totals but "impacting locations farther south into southern California," the NWS said. President Joe Biden late Sunday approved an emergency declaration in California, ordering federal assistance to supplement state and local response efforts. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation order for several California counties, including the Pajaro Community, low-lying areas around the Carmel River, Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Andrew Malero State Park. He said officials were preparing by activating emergency response teams and staging equipment throughout the state. Flash flood warnings were issued for the Bay area until Tuesday morning.

Southern California is facing another winter storm, with heavy rains, damaging winds and threats of flooding, mud and debris flow forecast through Tuesday.

[Alisal](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-11/santa-barbara-brush-fire-evacuations), [Cave](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-11-26/cave-fire-residents-thought-they-were-safe-then-the-flames-and-smoke-began-to-blossom) and [Thomas](https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-thomas-fire-explainer-20171211-htmlstory.html) wildfires in Santa Barbara County will be ordered to evacuate, Sheriff Bill Brown said at a news conference. [were spreading into](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=flood%20watch) Orange and southwestern San Bernardino counties Monday, along with stronger and gusty south to southeast winds. [high wind warning](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=high%20wind%20warning) is in effect for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County until 10 p.m. About 3,770 residents were without power Wednesday morning, according to [Poweroutage.us](https://poweroutage.us/area/county/2926). The heaviest rain was falling on Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with reports of roadway flooding and swollen creeks, [the weather service said](https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1612511966563794945). [High surf advisories](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=high%20surf%20advisory) are in effect through 4 p.m. The warning includes the Lake Hughes and Kings Canyon areas near the 20000 block of Pine Canyon Road; 18000 block of Ellstree Drive; 46000 block of Kings Canyon Road; 1800 block of Newvale Drive; and the 43000 Block of Lake Hughes Road. The center also [warned that a threat of brief tornadoes appeared possible](https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1612428765354946560). A [wind advisory goes into effect](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=high%20wind%20warning) at noon until 10 p.m. The most significant impacts will be in Northern California, prompting concerns over flooding and hazardous winds that triggered President Biden [to declare an emergency in the state](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-09/california-storm-rain). Flash flood warnings went into effect in central San Luis Obispo county and in Santa Barbara county on Monday until 4:45 p.m., with residents told to shelter in place. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center [warned of marginal risk of isolated strong to severe thunderstorms](https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day2otlk.html) late Monday into Tuesday.

A powerful storm battering California has forced thousands to evacuate -- including an entire community -- and prompted dozens of water rescues as ...

To the north, Santa Cruz County saw widespread damage, according to images from Cal Fire. Warning that with the “worst of it still in front of us,” California Gov. “This has resulted in nearly saturated soils and increasingly high river levels.” As of late Monday, 2 to 7 inches of rain had fallen across lower elevations and up to 10 inches in the mountains over a 24-hours period, preliminary rainfall reports showed. Gavin Newsom on Sunday asked the White House for an emergency declaration to support response and recovery efforts. State Route 126 was closed from Fillmore City limits to Fairview Canyon. The hourslong search for the child was suspended in the afternoon “because the weather had become too severe and it was not safe anymore for first responders to be conducting the search,” San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Tony Cipolla told CNN. This is a rapidly evolving situation,” Santa Barbara County officials said. “It just came really quick,” Oliveira said. The threat isn’t over yet. Streets turned into rivers, trees came crashing down, homes lost power, rivers swelled and major roadways were shuttered as the storm unleashed powerful winds and heavy downpours. The entire community of Montecito in Santa Barbara County was ordered to evacuate Monday, along with residents in parts of Carpinteria, Summerland and the City of Santa Barbara.

Meanwhile, the death toll from an onslaught of violent storms sweeping across California rose to 12 as forecasters warned of more storms to come.

Sacramento City schools were closed Monday because six campuses had no electricity.] [The weather service posted a flood advisory for much of the Sacramento Valley, northern San Joaquin Valley and surrounding foothills. There is a potential for as much as 8 inches of rain in the Los Angeles foothill area late Monday and Tuesday. The bureau also [tweeted a video](https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1612579355322101761) showing Highway 101 -- a major artery -- "has turned into a moving river'' and advising motorists not to drive into flood waters. Wind gusts could exceed 60 mph at the coast and 70 mph in the mountains, prompting the weather service to post a wind advisory for portions of southwest California through 10 p.m. The state Department of Transportation warned motorists to stay off mountain roads after closing a stretch of U.S. At 250 to 375 miles wide, they provide the fuel for massive rain and snowstorms that can cause flooding along the West Coast. Vehicles were seen submerged in water Monday in some parts of the city. A flash flood warning was issued for all of southern Ventura County, which is expected to last through Tuesday as another storm front moves into the area overnight. The National Weather Service said up to 8 inches of rain had fallen in 12 hours, and plenty more was expected. - The Los Angeles area braced for up to 8 inches of rain in foothill areas. "Two of the more energetic and moisture-laden parade of cyclones ... Parts of the eastern Sierra Nevada are also under avalanche warnings.

Rescuers ended the search for a 5-year-old boy who was swept away by floodwaters in central coastal California while the entire community of Montecito was ...

Flash flooding prompts evacuation of Montecito and parts of Santa Barbara amid torrents expected to continue into Tuesday.

But forecasters predict a break in the stormy pattern by around Jan. Additional storms in the forecast later this week and next week spell more flood threats, though state water resources officials said room remains in many large reservoirs, with statewide storage at about 78 percent of average. On New Year’s Eve, 5.46 inches of rain fell, the second-wettest calendar day on record since bookkeeping began in 1849. What began as a snow-globe-like confetti of flakes on Sunday evening turned into an extreme winter storm by midnight on Donner Pass Road in the Sierra Nevada. Winds of 45 to 60 mph are expected, especially earlier in the storm, though a few gusts of more than 100 mph are likely to occur atop the Sierra Ridge. The Weather Service shared reports of people trapped in their homes being rescued via personal watercraft along the river in Felton, a collapsed road in Aptos and a sinkhole swallowing a roadway in the Santa Cruz mountains. Winter storm warnings were in effect for the Sierra Nevada. California has been in the midst of a historic drought. While the brunt of the storm was focused on Northern and Central California, Southern California also suffered serious storm effects. That included in Montecito, where a 2018 mudslide flowed from an area burned by the Thomas fire. This includes rapid water rises, mudslides, and the potential for major river flooding,” The boy and his mother were driving to school around 8 a.m.

More lives have now been lost in the storms than were caused by all the wildfires tearing through California over the past two years.

The fire department later tweeted that their website had crashed due to heavy traffic. This creek near to our house never flows ever (and it’s) probably about nine feet up. “Thunderstorms are possible Tuesday with best chances between 4 am and 8 pm. Ms McLeod said she feels fortunate because her home sits on high ground and the power is still on. “Even though it’s a 5 to 15 per cent chance, we still need people to be on their toes. Lightning, heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and funnel clouds are possible. “It’s probably about nine feet [high],” the TV host remarked. We have horses ready to evacuate.” Ellen DeGeneres has urged residents of Montecito, in California, to “stay safe” as the area continues to experience “unprecedented” weather conditions. Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary owner Jamie McLeod’s property was under the Montecito evacuation order, but she said there is no way for her to “get off the mountain” with a rushing creek on one side and a mudslide on the other. The National Weather Service has warned that more extreme weather is on the way to California. [weather](/topic/weather) saw the star-studded city of [Montecito](/topic/montecito), where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres live, placed under an evacuation order, with the Montecito Fire Department urging residents to immediately leave their homes.

Thousands of people in California were forced to flee their homes as severe weather continued to batter the state.

Moderate to heavy rains were expected across much of California through Tuesday and into the night, while several more feet of snow were expected to accumulate along the Sierra Nevada, it said. Two people killed in what appeared to be storm-related deaths in Sacramento County over the weekend were identified by the county’s coroner’s office Monday. Heavy rainfall in the area, which is home to 10,000 people, had already flooded roads and creeks, he said. "All commercial flights are canceled until further notice, and the terminal is closed," it said. It was not immediately clear Tuesday morning when the search would resume. A child is also missing after being swept away when floodwaters swamped a vehicle in the northern section of the county, near Paso Robles, according to Scott Jalbert, another official with the agency. [Climate change](https://www.nbcnews.com/climate-in-crisis) has made extreme precipitation in California twice as likely, with extreme weather predicted to generate 200%-400% of surface runoff, rainwater that cannot be absorbed by soil, by the end of the century, according to research by the [UCLA](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/climate-change-makes-catastrophic-flood-twice-as-likely) environment and sustainability department. "When all is said and done, precipitation totals over the next few days will be in the 3-7 inch range through the Transverse Range of southern California, northward along the central to northern California coast ranges and through the Sierra," it said. Two people were able to get themselves out of the sinkhole, while firefighters were able to safely extricate the other two, who were treated and taken to a hospital with minor injuries, it said. The heavy rains are expected to worsen the ongoing flooding and prolong the risk of flash flooding and mudslides across the state. Moderate to heavy rains were expected to continue to hammer much of California on Tuesday as a fresh low-pressure system barreled toward the state as part of a [severe weather](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-faces-parade-cyclones-power-outages-rcna64836) continued to batter the state, leaving one person dead this week and a child missing, while tens of thousands of utility customers were still without power Tuesday morning.

Thousands of Californians were under evacuation orders as a winter storm battered the state Monday night, causing mudslides and flooding.

"Our message to Californians is simple: be hyper-vigilant," he said. The NWS said that in the past few weeks, nearly all of California has seen between 400-600% above average rainfall with continued rain on Tuesday expected to further exacerbate ongoing flooding and increase the risk of mudslides in recent burn scar regions. California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Transportation have both also announced numerous road closures throughout the state due to flooding and landslides. The NWS earlier said that the heavy rains pose the threat of flash flooding and mudslides from Los Angeles to San Diego. [Gavin Newsom](https://www.upi.com/topic/Gavin_Newsom/) said in [a statement](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/01/09/governor-newsom-to-californians-be-hyper-vigilant/) was a solemn reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change. "No significant letup expected to the recent very wet weather pattern that has been plaguing much of California," it said in

More than a foot of rain has fallen in parts of the state over the past 48 hours, flooding streets and prompting evacuations.

“Because eventually, if the storm drains are overwhelmed, there’s no other place for the water to go.” Your best defense, in other words, is to avoid it altogether. The subway is “the last place you want to be” during a flash flood, Ms. Here’s what to do in advance — and in the moment — to get through a flash flood safely. Lie down on the roof to keep yourself stable, and don’t tie yourself to the car, in case it rolls. If they won’t budge, he recommended breaking the glass with an escape tool (like [the one in this Wirecutter guide](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gear-for-a-roadside-emergency/#gear-for-your-glovebox), which you can store in your glove compartment) or using the [metal pole of your headrest as a ram](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgd6G68M4bc). “Everybody tends to underestimate the force of the water,” Ms. You can also toss treats in and out of the crate to help them develop their ease with entering and exiting a pet carrier, Mr. If you have a reptile, you’ll need a sturdy bowl for your pet to soak in and something to warm it with. [Microchips](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/microchips-reunite-pets-families/microchipping-faq), small transponders embedded into a pet’s skin that are linked to identification and the owner’s contact information, can later be scanned if the pet is lost. In the higher elevations, snow has fallen by the foot, and more is on the way. “Currently, we’re experiencing a storm that is causing many problems and has the potential to cause major problems across our county, especially in the burn scar areas.” Earlier storms had already pounded at the cliffs and washed away some barriers, like riprap — giant rocks placed at the edge of the cliffs to protect against erosion — a frightening sight for some residents.

Dozens of water rescues had to be carried out Monday and overnight as California was hammered by a “parade of cyclones” that turned streets into rivers, ...

Moderate to heavy rains were expected across much of California through Tuesday and into the night, while several more feet of snow were expected to accumulate along the Sierra Nevada, it said. Two people killed in what appeared to be storm-related deaths in Sacramento County over the weekend were identified by the county's coroner's office Monday. Heavy rainfall in the area, which is home to 10,000 people, had already flooded roads and creeks, he said. "All commercial flights are canceled until further notice, and the terminal is closed," it said. 'Enormous cyclone' to strike Wednesday It was not immediately clear Tuesday morning when the search would resume. A child is also missing after being swept away when floodwaters swamped a vehicle in the northern section of the county, near Paso Robles, according to Scott Jalbert, another official with the agency. [Climate change](https://www.nbcnews.com/climate-in-crisis) has made extreme precipitation in California twice as likely, with extreme weather predicted to generate 200%-400% of surface runoff, rainwater that cannot be absorbed by soil, by the end of the century, according to research by the [UCLA](https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/climate-change-makes-catastrophic-flood-twice-as-likely) environment and sustainability department. Two people were able to get themselves out of the sinkhole, while firefighters were able to safely extricate the other two, who were treated and taken to a hospital with minor injuries, it said. The heavy rains are expected to worsen the ongoing flooding and prolong the risk of flash flooding and mudslides across the state. Moderate to heavy rains were expected to continue to hammer much of California on Tuesday as a fresh low-pressure system barreled toward the state as part of a [severe weather](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/california-faces-parade-cyclones-power-outages-rcna64836) continued to batter the state, leaving one person dead this week and a child missing, while tens of thousands of utility customers were still without power Tuesday morning.

Thousands of Californians fled their homes. Another massive storm was forecast for Wednesday as tornado and thunderstorm warnings were issued.

Although wet winters and dry summers are a natural part of California's weather patterns going back millennia, the question arises: ] [Are this year's storms something out of the ordinary](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/01/09/california-storms-climate-change/11017796002/)? What experts say.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/01/09/california-storms-climate-change/11017796002/) [California storms: Climate change or something else?] [California could face a "parade of storms" over the next several weeks, on top of recent deluges that have killed at least 14 people, triggered flooding, knocked out power and forced evacuations and school closures up and down the coast. "And that is both unusual, but also typical in the longer context." [ posted video on Instagram of flooding](https://www.instagram.com/p/CnNnn09hYD4/?hl=en) near her home. The primary target will be northern California northward up the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Farther south, about 10,000 residents in and around the Santa Barbara County community of Montecito were ordered to evacuate.

Another powerful winter storm system is causing flooding, snow and mudslides in areas of California, where intense downpours have already wreaked havoc on ...

[Monday evening](https://twitter.com/NWSLosAngeles/status/1612617493046251526?s=20&t=ozkxZXV3cD7AD357OWioZQ). A giant sinkhole closed a road down in Santa Barbara, impacting [500 homes.](https://twitter.com/PIOSBCFireInfo/status/1612675364974886914?s=20&t=H_AtVL7XDPsyjDBdOYxSEw) [two major episodes of rain](https://origin.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/hpcdiscussions.php?disc=pmdspd) taking place "in quick succession" into Tuesday. And Northern California will face a third batch of rain on Wednesday. As of Monday evening, more than 85,000 customers were without power, according to utility companies' reports tracked by Some areas [saw 10 inches](https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1612560401090371586/photo/1), according to the NWS. The downfall caused flooding, dangerous mudslides, power outages and downed trees in some areas. [PowerOutage.US](https://poweroutage.us/area/state/california). [Weather Prediction Center](https://origin.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/hpcdiscussions.php?disc=pmdspd) said. [an emergency](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/09/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-california-emergency-declaration-2/) in California and ordered federal assistance. [video showing](https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1612579355322101761?s=20&t=v0jFwTDqvRqsMy0bG33K2A) it as a "moving river." [tweeted ](https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1612756533531803650/photo/1)Tuesday morning.

More than 220000 homes and businesses were still without power on Tuesday, as severe flooding hits California after a massive storm last week, according to ...

The six storms since just after Christmas have been accompanied by pounding surf that has battered seaside communities, as well as fierce, gale-force winds that have uprooted thousands of trees weakened by prolonged drought. At least a dozen fatalities have been attributed to several back-to-back storms that have lashed California since Dec. [(PCG.N)](https://www.reuters.com/companies/PCG.N).

Heavy rains that ravaged Central California are expected to move into the southern part of the state Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.

As seas rise, others are exploring [how to harness marine energy](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2021/cop26-scotland-wave-energy-renewables/?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_14&itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_8). It can feel overwhelming facing the impacts of climate change, but there are [ways to cope with climate anxiety](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/climate-change-anxiety-dread-cope/2021/07/14/471eb264-e4d4-11eb-b722-89ea0dde7771_story.html?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_6). As temperatures rise, heat waves are more often sweeping the globe — and parts of the world are [becoming too hot to survive](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/climate-change-humidity/?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_4&itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_3). Coren](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/11/28/why-washington-post-is-starting-climate-advice-column/?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_9) is answering questions about environmental choices in our everyday lives. [Submit yours here.](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-euNpVw9Z7xvi2ZoRiiE9why3YJTsHumbX9XrRe6bXX4Yrg/viewform?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_10) You can also [sign up for our Climate Coach newsletter](https://www.washingtonpost.com/newsletters/climate-coach/?itid=lb_more-on-climate-change_11). [Sign up for the latest news about climate change, energy and the environment, delivered every Thursday](https://subscribe.washingtonpost.com/newsletters/#/bundle/energy?method=SURL&location=ART&itid=lk_interstitial_manual_17) [close](https://twitter.com/countyofsb/status/1612640759215169536) all public schools Tuesday. Ellen DeGeneres, also a resident, [posted ](https://twitter.com/EllenDeGeneres/status/1612591946635284480)a video urging her neighbors to flee. [photos](https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeUSAT/status/1612668148012191744) that circulated on social media. The National Weather Service noted that the rains come after a recent drought, with recent precipitation in the state at between 400 and 600 percent above average levels. President Biden agreed to Newsom’s request for a declaration of a state of emergency, paving the way for more federal assistance. [according to the office of Gov.

A winter storm continues to lash Northern California as the state's death toll from the extreme weather climbs to at least 16 people.

“We just don’t have that many in the historical record.” Here’s how to prepare and what to have ready to go if you may need to evacuate during the rainstorms hitting California. High pressure systems were starting to interact with the atmospheric rivers, he said, which could mean less-destructive storms going forward — but the cumulative effects remained a major concern. Katie Bass, 35, a Fresno resident who owns San Joaquin Drug in Planada, arrived at her store Tuesday morning to find the building wasn’t damaged but the power was out. The only two wetter 15-day periods have been in December 1866, when 13.54 inches fell, and during the Great Flood of 1862, which saw more than 19 inches of rain. Highway 17 was closed after power lines went down and were sparking on the roadway, according to the National Weather Service. The entire four-unit building was evacuated and no one was injured, said Matt Samson, the city’s deputy fire chief. the dries are getting a lot drier,” he said. California’s storms would be the [first billion-dollar disaster](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-10/california-storm-costs-could-add-up-to-nations-first-billion-dollar-disaster-of-2023) of 2023. “That bar was my life,” said Lynn, who has yet to find out whether he will receive state and federal assistance or an insurance payout. This place is soaked.” Any new precipitation, even if mild, could have “huge implications on the ground,” he said. Though it’s too early to estimate, the cost to repair the damage from these storms could exceed $1 billion, said Adam Smith, an applied climatologist and disaster expert with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Floods and mudslides forced thousands of people to evacuate as more than 200000 homes and businesses left without power.

The 60-year-old owner of the Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary said one of her employees came to make a weekly food delivery and also became stuck. [250 trees have also toppled ](https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/map-storm-trees-fall-17706285.php)across San Francisco as a result of the storms, the Chronicle reported. McLeod said she feels fortunate because her home sits on high ground and the power is still on. In the San Francisco Bay Area, sewers and sewage treatment plants have been overwhelmed by rain, prompting a local officials to warn: “Don’t jump in puddles. But flooding and mudslides could follow, even during a brief respite, because the ground remains saturated. “We expect these storms to continue at least through the 18th of this month. A catastrophic barrage of storms has caused destruction since late December, with the latest hitting in recent days and more storms on the horizon. We expect a minimum three more of these atmospheric rivers.” A five-year-old was still missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Paso Robles, Newsom said, asking state residents to “just pray for a miracle” that the child be found alive. Union Station, a key transportation hub in downtown LA, was inundated with floodwater following downpours on Tuesday. This week’s storm has unleashed havoc up and down the state. Relatives and friends said their deaths highlighted the needs for

California's homeless have been some of the most vulnerable in recent storms. Two unhoused people were killed in Sacramento over the weekend.

We also have Spanish-language versions for [ the Legislature’s demographics](https://calmatters.org/calmatters-en-espanol/2023/01/la-legislatura-a-california/) and the [ state government explainer](https://calmatters.org/explainers/capitolio-estatal-de-california-como-funciona-el-gobierno/). Transit expenses can add to the already high costs of college that push out many low-income students, [reports Carmen Gonzalez of the CalMatters College Journalism Network](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/college-beat-higher-education/2023/01/california-college-costs-free-transit/). [approved late Sunday](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/01/09/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-california-emergency-declaration-2/). “Our message to Californians is simple: Be hyper-vigilant,” [he said in a statement](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/01/09/governor-newsom-to-californians-be-hyper-vigilant/). But she also noted that the state needs to do more to get all eligible voters registered. Particular reservoirs have a tendency to rapidly fill, said Mike Anderson, a climatologist with the state Department of Water Resources. Lake Oroville, most notably, has plenty of room to hold more water, John Yarbrough, the State Water Project’s assistant deputy director, said Monday. They include the coastal enclave of Montecito in Santa Barbara County, where [evacuations were ordered](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-09/weather-storm-rain-southern-california) on Monday, five years to the day that mudslides killed 23 people and destroyed 130 homes. [Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness](https://www.srceh.org/). In San Francisco, despite a preliminary injunction issued last September, the city is allegedly still doing sweeps of homeless encampments, including one on Jan. - Erlenbusch told me: “The deaths of our two unhoused neighbors that we know of were preventable if there had been the kind of programs I’m talking about to bring inside. Others don’t know about the centers, or don’t have a way to get there — gaps he says the city and county could do more to bridge.

Federal emergency declaration gets California more funding, equipment, and personnel SACRAMENTO – As California enters the third week of severe winter ...

According to the Also yesterday, Governor Newsom visited two sites along Deer Creek in Sacramento County to highlight the state’s work to repair damage from earlier storms and prepare for incoming severe weather. Temporary shelter, food and additional resources are available at these sites and all are welcome. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making federal disaster assistance available to supplement local and state resources, including funding, equipment and personnel. “There are still several days of severe winter weather ahead and we need all Californians to be alert and heed the advice of emergency officials. Thanks to the President signing off on our request for emergency declaration, we are mobilizing all available resources at every level of government to protect lives and limit storm damage.

IR-2023-03, January 10, 2023 — California storm victims now have until May 15, 2023, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make ...

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2023 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (2022, normally filed this tax season). The May 15 deadline also applies to the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on January 31 and April 30, 2023. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated. The May 15, 2023, deadline also applies to the quarterly estimated tax payments, normally due on January 17, 2023, and April 18, 2023. This means that individual taxpayers can skip making the fourth quarter estimated tax payment, normally due January 17, 2023, and instead include it with the 2022 return they file, on or before May 15. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until May 15, 2023, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

Another storm is expected to barrel into the state beginning Wednesday, adding to the misery and further saturating areas already at risk of flooding and ...

In the wealthy seaside community of Montecito, 80 miles (128 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday for about 10,000 people, including Prince Harry, Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities. Areas hit by wildfires in recent years faced the possibility of mud and debris sliding down bare hillsides. The wet and blustery weather left California’s large homeless population in a precarious situation. But flooding and mudslides could follow, even during a brief respite, because the ground remains saturated. [WATCH: California faces another round of storms and flooding](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-california-faces-another-round-of-storms-and-flooding) His mother was rescued, but Kyle was swept away, and a seven-hour search Monday turned up only one of his Nike shoes.