Toll Climbs, Flooding Persists in Dangerous California Storm
Californians are preparing for another day of evacuation orders, blocked roads, dangerous flooding and high winds as another storm system moves across the state. At least 14 people have died in California in storm-related incidents since the storms started hammering the state a couple of weeks ago.
Mud flows have stranded motorists and close all lanes of State Highway 126 in Ventura County from the city of Fillmore to Fairview Canyon, according to the California Highway Patrol. The flow is about 3 feet deep. Troopers are trying to rescue the stranded people. More than 210,000 customers are without electricity in California as of 7:45 a.m. ET, according to poweroutage.us.
Flooding has shut down Santa Barbara Airport until further notice. The terminal is closed and all commercial flights are canceled.
More than 8 inches of rain has fallen in some areas. Parts of Ventura County, including Ojai, are among the hardest hit
California Highway Patrol Officers said boulders and other debris have crashed onto a road in Fresno County. The slide completely blocked State Route 168, one of several roads now shut down due to weather-related issues. The California Department of Transportation is advising motorists to avoid travel in the state.
The entire community of Montecito is under an evacuation order on the 5th anniversary of deadly debris flows that hit the area amid the same type of heavy rain falling there and in other parts of California today. At least 20 people were killed when a wall of debris struck the Santa Barbara County community on Jan. 9, 2018. This afternoon, the town of 8,200 people is being told to leave their homes due to the threat of flooding and debris flows. The evacuation order also includes Toro Canyon, Sycamore Canyon, and Padaro Lane.
More than 5 inches of rain has fallen in the area in the past 24 hours.
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.