Non-stop heavy rains caused by the strongest atmospheric river have caused flooding across California killing at least 17 people with thousands fleeing their homes.
Reports indicate the rains that started on December 27, 2022, have served the state with between 400 to 600 percent more rains that in the past.
Thousands of Californians remain under evacuation orders as more rain is expected on Wednesday and Thursday. The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued flood alerts for the following areas in Northern California.
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin Coastal Range, North Bay Interior Mountains, North Bay Interior Valleys and Sonoma Coastal Range.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas,” the Weather Service warning read.
The California Highway Patrol-Fresno, posted a dramatic video showing rockslides along the scenic HWY 168 leading to Shaver Lake. And warnings remain active or areas surrounding Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, has urged Californians to remain vigilant.
“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,” said Governor Newsom. “We are taking the threat from these storms seriously, and want to make sure that Californians stay vigilant as more storms head our way.”
On Monday, President Joe Biden approved Newsom’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration to support ongoing storm response and recovery efforts
The Presidential Emergency Declaration would activate assistance from the federal government and FEMA to deal with the floods.
California is home to thousands of Kenyans and the African diaspora.
According to Newsom’s office, the storms are expected to continue at least up to January 19.
CHP Fresno posted a video of rock slides along the way to Shaver Lake in the California Central Valley. Many Kenyans reside in cities and towns near Shaver Lake and Yosemite National Park.#Californiastorm #Californiaflooding https://t.co/NfS9XsgrP7
— Hot Seat News (@TheHotSeatNews) January 11, 2023
Relentless rains that started falling on Sunday have flooded parts of Los Angeles, killed at least 15 people statewide and led to evacuation orders for nearly 50,000 residents across California as rivers continue to rise and mudslide fears grow~ NYY #CaliforniaFloods
1/3 pic.twitter.com/3MUfQ4zoA8— Hot Seat News (@TheHotSeatNews) January 10, 2023