California Faces Deadly Storms as Severe Weather Spreads Across the West
US authorities confirmed a rising death toll from a sequence of heavy storms that battered California, marking at least 17 fatalities to date. The relentless rainfall and snowfall have strained responders and communities alike as rescue teams race to reach stranded residents and assess widespread damage across affected counties.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that approximately 44,000 residents remain under evacuation orders while more than 142,000 electricity customers are temporarily without power. He cautioned, with a steady tone, that the state is not yet out of danger and urged Californians to heed official guidance and stay prepared for changing conditions. The governor’s remarks came during a late-week briefing intended to consolidate emergency actions and coordinate state resources with local authorities.
The drought-stricken state has endured an abrupt and near-continuous barrage of rain and snow, spurring flood warnings, road closures, and significant logistical challenges for essential services. Local reporters described extensive destruction ranging from washed-out roads to landslides and property damage, underscoring the complexity of the recovery effort. In public statements, officials warned that the current weather pattern could persist, heightening the risk to communities already strained by successive storms. The governor characterized these floods as an urgent, life-threatening condition that demands immediate action and careful planning by residents and responders alike.
Across the nation, federal authorities monitored the developing situation and coordinated with state and local agencies. President Joe Biden issued a statement of support, while the National Weather Service issued alerts about an ongoing atmospheric river and a so-called relentless weather pattern that continues to push moisture into the West Coast. The administration emphasized the importance of preparedness, urging people to follow safety advisories and to report hazards or outages to the appropriate authorities. This joint effort aims to minimize casualties and stabilize critical infrastructure as weather systems move inland and interact with regional topography. [citation: National Weather Service; Office of Emergency Management; Governor’s Office]