Monitoring Desk
MENLO PARK: Another in a series of powerful winter storms unleashed heavy rain in Northern California on Monday, causing widespread flash flooding in Santa Cruz County and other areas as rivers began to swell across the California region.
A series of atmospheric rivers that hammered coastal communities last week and leftover 400,000 people without power in California on Sunday will be followed by two major episodes of mountain snow and heavy rain in the coming several days.
Rivers are expected to rise to flood level, debris flows could be possible in affected areas, and powerful winds could wreak devastation from the “energetic and moisture-laden cyclones’ parade that is heading directly toward California,” according to the National Weather Service.
California facing severe flooding
In Santa Cruz County, evacuations were underway. Major flooding was reported in Felton Grove after the San Lorenzo River rose over its banks and flowed out into the surrounding community. Videos on social media showed muddy water rising to stop signs, and rescue crews launched a jet ski to get through the water.
“Travel will be challenging, if not impossible, throughout the county this morning. We are urging people to stay home if possible,” the county posted on Twitter.
Evacuation warnings were issued in Santa Cruz County, including towns southeast and east of Santa Cruz, including Soquel, Seacliff, Watsonville, and Rio del Mar, which borders the Pajaro River.
The Big Sur, Carmel, and Pajaro rivers could reach flood level on Monday, and the Salinas River could reach flood level on Tuesday. The rising Carmel River prompted officials to give an evacuation warning along the Carmel Valley.
Late Sunday, US President Biden approved an emergency declaration for California state, which authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and ensure the availability of emergency resources, the White House said in a statement.
