Corte Madera, California (AP) — Emergency crews have been busy clearing mud and debris from critical highways while meteorologists warn of impending thunderstorms over the next few days. Northern California counties are under flood watch after recent rainfalls coincided with high tides that caused significant flooding and numerous road closures and rescues of trapped motorists.
According to the National Weather Service office in Eureka, up to three inches of additional rain could fall through Monday night, with some mountainous areas possibly receiving at least a foot of snow. The situation remains precarious as flood warnings persist for Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties.
While the waters recede in many areas like the San Francisco Bay, eyewitness accounts described streets transformed into rivers, with some residents kayaking through flooded routes. Several vehicles stalled in water as deep as three to four feet, prompting rescue operations.
Jeremy Hager, a local resident, expressed disbelief at the high tides observed: 'I’ve been around here for the king tides and I’ve never seen it this high. Never.'
Experts highlight that the astronomical phenomenon known as king tides coincides with these floods, which occur when the moon is closest to the Earth, leading to the heightened water levels. Authorities are advising those traveling through low-lying areas to proceed with caution given the additional risks posed by the forecasted thunderstorms.
In Southern California, a major highway that had been impassable due to mudslides reopened after the weekend, which saw excessive rainfall. Tragically, a man lost his life after being swept into a creek during the earlier storm events.
In summary, California is currently recovering from a series of winter storms that have unleashed heavy rain and snow, marking one of the wettest holiday seasons in recent history.
According to the National Weather Service office in Eureka, up to three inches of additional rain could fall through Monday night, with some mountainous areas possibly receiving at least a foot of snow. The situation remains precarious as flood warnings persist for Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties.
While the waters recede in many areas like the San Francisco Bay, eyewitness accounts described streets transformed into rivers, with some residents kayaking through flooded routes. Several vehicles stalled in water as deep as three to four feet, prompting rescue operations.
Jeremy Hager, a local resident, expressed disbelief at the high tides observed: 'I’ve been around here for the king tides and I’ve never seen it this high. Never.'
Experts highlight that the astronomical phenomenon known as king tides coincides with these floods, which occur when the moon is closest to the Earth, leading to the heightened water levels. Authorities are advising those traveling through low-lying areas to proceed with caution given the additional risks posed by the forecasted thunderstorms.
In Southern California, a major highway that had been impassable due to mudslides reopened after the weekend, which saw excessive rainfall. Tragically, a man lost his life after being swept into a creek during the earlier storm events.
In summary, California is currently recovering from a series of winter storms that have unleashed heavy rain and snow, marking one of the wettest holiday seasons in recent history.
