Storm Surge: State of California Bracing for Fresh Wave of Torrential Rain and Gusts

As California begins to emerge from a prolonged break in the weather, the state is bracing itself for a fresh wave of torrential downpours and gale force winds hitting the northern coast. The latest forecast from the National Weather Service warns that the threat of flooding will persist until Friday, with gusts of up to 60mph expected in some areas. Meanwhile, southern California will experience a brief respite from the rain before more wet weather sets in over the weekend.

The relentless string of storms has already claimed the lives of at least 17 people, with the governor warning that this number is likely to grow. The devastation has left communities across the state scrambling to clean up and repair the widespread damage. Over half of California’s 58 counties have been declared disaster areas, and the cost of repairs is estimated to exceed $1 billion.

As crews work to reopen major highways closed by rockslides, flooding, and mud, people are slowly returning home. In the affluent Santa Barbara county community of Montecito, which was severely affected by a mudslide five years ago, 10,000 people were allowed to return to their homes. However, thousands more remain under evacuation orders due to rain-swollen creeks and rivers.

The storm surge has brought unprecedented amounts of rain, coupled with heavy snow in mountain areas, due to the moisture-laden atmospheric rivers funneling in from the tropical Pacific. The resulting torrential rains, fierce winds, and hail have left many areas without power, with over 52,000 homes and businesses still without electricity.

The impact on California’s large unhoused population has been devastating. At least two homeless people have died, with more than a dozen rescued from a homeless encampment on the Ventura River. The weather has also forced many homeless individuals to take shelter in makeshift arrangements, with some even resorting to seeking refuge in abandoned buildings.

As the state navigates this crisis, experts warn that the growing frequency and intensity of such storms are a symptom of the climate crisis. The rain and snow may help replenish reservoirs and aquifers, but it is just a short-term remedy for the long-term effects of drought.