California is grappling with severe flooding as a powerful winter storm sweeps through the state, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency.This declaration covers numerous counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange, where conditions have been described as posing "extreme peril to the safety of persons and property".
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abc10.comThe storm, characterized as an "atmospheric river event," has brought heavy rain, snow, and high winds, leading to widespread power outages and evacuation orders.As of Wednesday night, over 197,000 households were without power, primarily along the coast from Monterey County to Oregon.
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nbcnews.comThe storm's impact has been particularly severe in Northern California, where mandatory evacuation orders were issued for cities such as Richmond and Watsonville due to the risk of flooding and debris flows, especially in areas previously affected by wildfires.
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nbcnews.comIn response to the emergency, state agencies are mobilizing resources to assist local jurisdictions.The proclamation allows for the activation of the National Guard and directs Caltrans to seek federal aid for highway repairs and reconstruction efforts.This is crucial as the storm has already caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and highways, which are vital for emergency response and recovery operations.
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abc10.comnbcnews.comThe National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings across various regions, with the heaviest rainfall expected to continue into Thursday.Urban areas could see between 2 to 4 inches of rain, while mountainous regions may receive up to 8 inches, exacerbating the risk of flooding in already vulnerable areas.
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nbcnews.comGovernor Newsom emphasized the state's proactive measures, stating, "California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms".
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vvdailypress.comEmergency responders have been pre-deployed to high-risk areas, equipped with fire engines, swift-water rescue teams, and other essential resources to ensure public safety during this crisis.The storm's effects have been felt across the state, with reports of downed trees and power lines, particularly in urban centers like San Francisco, where gusts reached up to 85 mph.The San Francisco Fire Department has responded to numerous incidents related to flooding and fallen trees, including rescues of individuals trapped in vehicles by debris.
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nbcnews.comAs the storm continues, officials are urging residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders.In areas like Wrightwood, where mud and debris flows pose significant risks, authorities have advised residents to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel.Evacuation centers have been established to assist those displaced by the flooding, providing essential services and support to affected communities.
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vvdailypress.comWhile the current storm brings immediate challenges, it also highlights the ongoing issues related to California's water management and infrastructure resilience.Experts note that the state has been experiencing a pattern of extreme weather, with significant swings between drought and heavy precipitation, which can strain existing flood management systems.The recent storms have tested infrastructure that has not faced heavy flows in years, raising concerns about the effectiveness of flood control measures in place.
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nbcnews.comvvdailypress.comAs California navigates this crisis, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and facilitating recovery efforts.The state is committed to addressing the immediate impacts of the storm while also considering long-term strategies to enhance resilience against future extreme weather events, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.
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nbcnews.comvvdailypress.comIn summary, California's declaration of a state of emergency in response to severe flooding underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect communities and restore essential services.As the storm continues to unfold, the state's response will be critical in mitigating the impacts of this natural disaster and supporting recovery in the days ahead.
