Key Takeaways
- Five northern California counties remain under a flood watch due to potential thunderstorms and heavy rain
- Up to three inches of rain and at least a foot of snow are expected in some areas through Monday night
- Flooding and road closures have been reported in Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties
- A man died in Santa Barbara County after being swept into a creek during the storm
- Authorities are warning drivers to slow down and allow extra time to reach their destinations due to lingering thunderstorms and low-lying areas
Introduction to the Storms
Crews in California have been working to clear mud from key highways after a series of storms brought heavy rain and flooding to the state. The National Weather Service has warned that more thunderstorms are on the way, with up to three inches of rain possible in some areas through Monday night. The storms have caused flooding, road closures, and rescues of people trapped in cars, with five northern counties remaining under a flood watch. The affected areas have been experiencing heavy rain off and on since around Christmas, with the recent downpours coinciding with record-breaking "King Tides" that have exacerbated the flooding.
The Impact of King Tides
The "King Tides" have played a significant role in the flooding, with waters rising to record levels in some areas. The tides occur when the moon is in its closest position to the Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull that causes the ocean to bulge. This has resulted in flooding of roadways and homes, with some people kayaking along swamped streets and others wading through water above their knees. Authorities have been called to assist when cars have gotten stuck in water as high as 3 and 4 feet, with the Marin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Dobbins reporting that he has never seen the water levels so high during a King Tide event.
Regional Flooding and Road Closures
Flooding has been reported across several counties, including Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and San Francisco. The flooding has been particularly severe in areas near the San Francisco Bay, where roadways from Sausalito to San Rafael were inundated with water. The waters have been slowly receding, but authorities are warning that lingering thunderstorms on Sunday could cause additional problems throughout low-lying areas. Drivers are being advised to slow down and allow extra time to reach their destinations, with the Bay Area office of the weather service warning of potential hazards on social media.
Southern California Storms
In southern California, a key highway was reopened on Sunday after being blocked for most of the weekend due to a series of mudslides. The mudslides occurred in Santa Barbara County, where a man died after being swept into a creek during the storm. The county received more than four inches of rain over two days, with the weather service reporting that parts of the area were particularly hard hit. The storm has been part of a series of powerful winter storms that have brought the wettest holiday season to California in years, following a mostly dry autumn.
Conclusion and Ongoing Weather Warnings
As the storms continue to affect California, authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service is predicting that the storms will continue through Monday night, with up to three inches of rain and at least a foot of snow expected in some areas. Drivers are being advised to exercise caution and plan for extra time to reach their destinations, with the potential for additional flooding and road closures remaining a concern. As the state continues to recover from the storms, residents are being urged to stay informed and follow the latest weather updates to stay safe.
