Floodwaters are rushing through Montecito, California on Monday afternoon. Sign up for the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet. Much of California is on flood watch as some regions approach ten inches of total rainfall and brace for floods and landslides.
Road blockages, landslides, and toppled trees have already been reported in and around Los Angeles. Flood watches for other regions, including the Bay Area, Sacramento, and San Diego, are still in effect as of Tuesday morning. Officials are warning Californians to avoid road travel and prepare for power outages, mudslides, rock slides, and coastal flooding.
Santa Barbara County officials have issued evacuation warnings for some waterfront neighborhoods. Coastal communities like Santa Barbara and Malibu should prepare for flooding, as large breaking waves are hitting several points along the state’s coast. California residents should avoid coastal areas if possible through Wednesday.
Nearly 10 inches of rain fell in Santa Barbara County from Sunday through Monday. Several Santa Barbara neighborhoods are under evacuation warnings as rain continues, bringing threats of flash floods. Severe thunderstorms are causing large, unpredictable waves along coastlines, prompting officials to warn residents to stay far back from the waves and off the rocks.
The severe weather impacting California is expected to ease on Wednesday morning. Officials are working to clean up damage caused by fallen trees and mudslides throughout the state. Part of Interstate 5 in Los Angeles was closed on Monday to repair a fence damaged by a mudslide.
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