Almost 700,000 customers are currently without power across California as the state grapples with severe storms and flooding. According to the poweroutage.us website, which tracks power connectivity nationally, some 680,000 homes and businesses were without power in the early hours of this morning.
The worst affected counties were Mendocino, Yuba, Butte, and Placer, where 51,000 out of 146,000 customers were cut off. Although the overall number of disconnections is falling from an overnight high of more than 780,000, the situation is still critical.
In Los Angeles, firefighters rescued 16 people from Studio City late last night after debris carried by heavy rainfall caused significant damage to two homes. All nine homes on Lockridge Road were evacuated, with emergency shelter being offered to the displaced residents.
Rough seas off the coast of Santa Barbara have also been reported, with a boat moored offshore being tossed by the second, more powerful storm.
Additionally, San Bernardino County has declared a state of emergency due to expected unprecedented rain and snowfall, with forecasts predicting catastrophic and life-threatening flooding in the area. Cal State LA is instructing students, faculty, and staff to stay home and learn online, with classes being held remotely and Monday events being canceled.
In the San Fernando Valley, flooding has stranded several vehicles and their occupants, with swiftwater rescue teams working to pull them out of rising waters. California State University, San Bernardino, has announced the closure of its main campus, as well as its Palm Desert campus, with instruction being moved to virtual modalities.
California has been pummeled by severe storms and flooding, with nearly 1 million people without power as the state continues to grapple with the impact. Flash flood warnings are in effect for Los Angeles County, with significant waves hitting the Central California coast and high surf advisories being issued for several counties.
Weather experts attribute the unusual swell and high surf to an atmospheric river, a vapor trail that has soaked up tropical precipitation near Hawaii and swept it northeast to California. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.