California Braces for 11th Atmospheric River this Winter Season [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!

• California is experiencing its 11th atmospheric river this winter season, causing flooding and damage in many areas.
• More than 17 million people across California and Nevada remain under flood watches.
• Evacuation alerts for 5,000 residents in the Pajaro River area have been issued due to a levee breach.

California and Nevada are bracing for another atmospheric river that is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to much of the West Coast. The storm is the 11th of its kind to hit the region this winter season, with more than 17 million people under flood watches.

The storm is predicted to exacerbate flooding and damage in areas that are already struggling to deal with the aftermath of previous storms.

In central and northern California, residents are dealing with flooded neighborhoods, mudslides, dangerous rushing rivers, collapsed bridges, and unusable roads. At least two people have died as a result of the storms, and many residents have been forced to seek shelter.

Across 12 California counties, nearly 500 people are at 30 shelters, with the majority in Santa Cruz County, just north of the Monterey area.

The storm is expected to bring up to 8 inches of rainfall to parts of Northern and central California, which could complicate efforts to repair a levee breach that occurred on the swollen Pajaro River. The breach forced thousands to flee as water rushed through the 120-foot break and into nearby Pajaro.

Evacuation alerts for 5,000 residents in the area could expand, potentially impacting many farm workers who may lose property and the ability to earn a living if the continued flooding impacts agriculture.

Mandatory Evacuation orders issued for the Community of #Pajaro due to a #LeveeBreak. Please heed evac warnings/orders. Pajaro River levee broke early this morning resulting in active flooding. #Evacuate if told. #TurnAroundDontDrown @Cal_OES @CaltransHQ @CAgovernor pic.twitter.com/tDttiTcaC0— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) March 11, 2023

President Joe Biden has approved a state of emergency declaration requested by Gov. Gavin Newsom, freeing up funds for the millions of residents hit with severe weather this year.

Newsom on Sunday expanded the declaration to include six additional counties, including Calaveras, Del Norte, Glenn, Kings, San Benito, and San Joaquin.

Source: cnn.com