Powerful California Storm Kills 2, Thousands Without Power

A powerful storm is pummeling California with high winds, flooding rain and a foot of snow. At least two people, an infant and a 19-year-old woman have been killed since a storm fueled by an atmospheric river slammed into the state on Wednesday. It is expected to continue through today with more storms arriving during the weekend.

Evacuations have been ordered in areas prone to mudslides and debris flows.

A mudslide is blocking a northbound lane on State Highway 1 north of the Monterey Road onramp in Pacifica, the Police Department said in a tweet. Sharp Park Road is an alternate route. In Santa Barbara County, State Highway 154 is closed from Highway 246 to Highway 192 because of multiple rock and mudslides, according to Caltrans.

Residents of the Mirabel trailer park along the Russian River in Sonoma County are once again preparing to leave their community. County officials have ordered evacuations for all residents living near the Russian River floodway and its tributaries from Healdsburg to Jenner.

In February 2019, the Russian River reached its highest level in 25 years, cutting off two towns and swamping more than 2,600 homes, businesses and other buildings. Now the river is again threatening to spill out of its banks. The current forecast predicts the river will crest at 33 feet overnight tonight. It's predicted to go back below flood stage Friday afternoon. Then, on Sunday into Monday, it could rise to 40 feet.

Thanks to the recent rounds of storms, none of California remains under exceptional drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday morning showed declines in the top three levels of drought in the state. Despite those declines, most of the state remains in moderate or severe drought conditions.

More than 7% of the state was experiencing exceptional drought conditions as of Dec. 27. That fell to 0% as of Tuesday. The portion of the state in extreme drought fell from more than 35% to slightly more than 27%.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proclaimed a state of emergency throughout the state because of the storms. “California is mobilizing to keep people safe from the impacts of the incoming storm,” Newsom said in a press release. “This state of emergency will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and support local officials in their ongoing response.”

We recognize the severe impact that current conditions are having on our customers, and we are committed to restoring service levels as quickly as possible. As a result of these weather issues, the ALG Client Service Team will send daily updates as we monitor the progress and track job level impact.