CORTE MADERA, Calif. — In California, heavy rainfalls and record-breaking high tides have led to widespread flooding, road closures, and emergency rescues. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that additional thunderstorms could exacerbate the situation, particularly in northern regions where up to three inches of rain is expected by Monday night.
As the rains have persisted since Christmas, over five counties, including Marin and Sonoma, are under flood watch. Authorities are taking action as waters have surged to dangerous heights, with some roads completely submerged, forcing residents to navigate the precarious conditions by kayak and on foot.
In Sausalito, where several roads faced flooding, residents described how unprecedented the flooding has been, echoing sentiments from Jeremy Hager of San Rafael who noted, “I’ve been around here for the king tides and I’ve never seen it this high. Never.”
Calmer waters are slowly returning to some areas, yet forecasts show that the threat of further rain could create additional hazards, especially in low-lying regions. “For anyone driving, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination,” advised the Bay Area office of the NWS.
In Southern California, the impacts have influenced infrastructure, particularly in Santa Barbara County where mudslides forced the closure of key highways, complicating situations for travelers and residents alike. Emergency services remain on alert as communities continue to recover from these fierce storms.
California has experienced its wettest holiday season in years due to these winter storms, a significant reversal after a predominantly dry autumn. This has raised concerns about infrastructure resilience and rapid responses needed to help communities adapt to extreme weather changes.
