LeadStory

What is happening with floods in California?

Asked 3 hours ago

Answer

California is experiencing severe flooding due to relentless storms, with record rainfall, widespread property damage, mudslides, and multiple fatalities. Emergency rescues, evacuations, and shelter-in-place orders are in effect across many regions. Burn scar areas are especially vulnerable, and authorities warn of continued torrential rain, flash flooding, and hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service and local officials urge residents to remain cautious as more storms are forecast.

Now Playing

CBS America

Mudslides threaten California after massive rains

CBS America · Just In
CBS America
CBS America
Just In
  • California remains waterlogged after heavy rains and flooding 5s
  • Wrightwood hit by 10 inches of rain, causing mudslides and rescues 24s
  • At least three people have died since the storm began 59s
  • Flood watches remain in effect across California 1m 22s
  • Northeast US, including New York City, braces for major snowstorm 1m 33s

References

Mudslides threaten California after massive rains
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CBS America
4 hours ago
Mudslides threaten California after massive rains

Drivers ignoring road closed signs are getting stuck in floodwaters, requiring rescue. Wrightwood received 10 inches of rain on burn scar hillsides, causing water and mud to flow into town. At least three people have died since the storm began.

California floods: Storm brings torrential rain with more on the way
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Al Jazeera
7 hours ago
California floods: Storm brings torrential rain with more on the way

Barriers erected to protect roads were destroyed by flash floods, with vehicles abandoned in many flooded areas. Rescue workers are checking on residents door to door as conditions worsen, and evacuation orders have been issued in many areas.

Heavy rain, flooding turns deadly in California
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CBC News
17 hours ago
Heavy rain, flooding turns deadly in California

Record-setting torrential rain has caused flooding, mud and debris flows, and several weather-related deaths. Emergency responders have rescued stranded motorists and a hiker, and six counties are under a state of emergency.

Rescues underway as historic storms unleash flooding, mudslides across California
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CBS News
17 hours ago
Rescues underway as historic storms unleash flooding, mudslides across California

Heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides, damaging homes, swallowing cars, forcing evacuations, and requiring rooftop rescues. Multiple deaths have been reported, and a state of emergency is in effect for a second night.

Rare high risk for flooding threatens southern California
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The Weather Channel
2 days ago
Rare high risk for flooding threatens southern California

Southern California is under a rare high risk flood warning, with threats to property and livelihoods. Flooding is likely along major highways, and burn scars increase vulnerability. Additional waves of storms are forecast.

California slammed by torrential rain as residents prep for flooding
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CBS America
2 days ago
California slammed by torrential rain as residents prep for flooding

Torrential rain is hitting the West Coast, with forecasts of over half a foot of rain for Christmas. Burn scar areas are especially vulnerable to flash flooding and mudslides. Authorities urge evacuations, but some residents are reluctant to leave.

Atmospheric river affects West Coast
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AccuWeather
3 days ago
Atmospheric river affects West Coast

Life-threatening flooding is expected across California due to an atmospheric river, with widespread flooding forecast, especially in burn scar areas. Strong winds and heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada are also expected.

Atmospheric rivers bring dangerous flooding to California
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AccuWeather
4 days ago
Atmospheric rivers bring dangerous flooding to California

Northern California has been hit with heavy rain and flash flooding, with at least one death confirmed after a motorist was trapped in a flooded vehicle. Dozens of water rescues have been conducted, and evacuations issued for burn scar areas.

Unrelenting rain triggers dangerous flooding in California
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CBS America
4 days ago
Unrelenting rain triggers dangerous flooding in California

Mandatory evacuation warnings issued; LAPD officers go door to door at high-risk homes. Northern California faces dangerous conditions from unrelenting rain, with at least one fatality and dramatic rescues, including evacuating nine people near Lake Tahoe.

Atmospheric river to soak northern California
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The Weather Channel
5 days ago
Atmospheric river to soak northern California

A powerful atmospheric river is bringing heavy rainfall to the Pacific Northwest and central California, with flash flooding expected in saturated areas. Rainfall totals could reach 5 to 8 inches, with some locations approaching a foot.

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