In photos: Atmospheric river floods storm-ravaged California
Published Date: 3/12/2023
Source: axios.com
A powerful atmospheric river storm brought heavy rain, snow and floods to Northern and Central California over the weekend.
The big picture: The current system is the latest in a series of storms that have battered the Golden State this year. Another significant atmospheric river event is likely to hit the region beginning Monday.
- Dangerous conditions continue this weekend: Rain and melting snow will cause "widespread considerable flooding impacts" in some regions, per the National Weather Service.
- Much of California is still under some type of flood warning, watch or advisory, the NWS said.
- More than 14,400 people remain without power in California at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- Evacuation orders were issued to some areas around the Salinas River, and the coastal Santa Cruz County as well as Kern County.
- At least two storm-related deaths were confirmed by state officials Friday.
Zoom in: Monterey County officials said a breach in a river embankment led to massive flooding overnight. The entire town of Pajaro is now under some level of water, per the Los Angeles Times.
Through the lens: These photos show a glimpse into the damage done.
In an aerial view, workers make emergency repairs to a road that was washed out by heavy rains on March 10, in Soquel, California. An atmospheric river event brought high winds and heavy rains to Northern California that caused localized flooding and toppled trees. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Vehicles are seen in flood during heavy rain in Springville, California on March 11, as atmospheric river storms hit California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
An aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Pajaro on March 11. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
An aerial view shows people sitting on a bench in a flooded neighborhood in Pajaro on March 11. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
In an aerial view, a flooded farm is seen on March 10, near Strathmore, California. Another in a series of atmospheric river storms from the Pacific Ocean has brought a warm rain to the region, which is falling on top of, and melting, large areas of snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, increasing the risk of floods at lower elevations. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
This aerial photograph shows cars and homes engulfed by floodwaters in Pajaro on Saturday, March 11. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
This aerial photograph shows vehicles and homes in floodwaters in Pajaro on March 11. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
A man helps Naomi Rodriguez (R) walk through flood waters in Pajaro on March 11. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Both sides of Highway 99 closed due to flooding in Earlimart of Tulare County on March 11. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Go deeper: California's atmospheric river onslaught is not over yet