Back-to-back storm systems moved through California last week, bringing record rainfall that caused flooding and mudslides in some areas.
The storms dropped nearly 10 inches of rain on the Los Angeles area as of Monday morning, with many areas in southern California experiencing significant flooding and mudslides. The storms dropped about half the annual rainfall for the region in a matter of days, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The first storm system moved through the region on Wednesday and Thursday, saturating hillsides notorious for mudslides. The second storm began on Sunday and is continuing to inundate low-lying areas. Malibu is reporting a rainfall total of nearly 8 inches in the last 24 hours, per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
If the totals reported by NOAA are accurate, downtown Los Angeles will have surpassed the single-day rainfall record that has stood since 1938. Currently, NOAA is showing 6.27 inches, beating out the 5.88 inches set on March 1, 1938.
The state’s coastal regions are particularly hard hit, with images showing streets flooded to the tops of car roofs and trees falling on houses. The storms have created dangerous conditions in an area stretching from Santa Barbara to San Diego, a distance of about 220 miles.
As the storm intensified on Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight counties.
“California: this is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts. Please pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials,” Newsom said in a statement. “California is ready with a record number of emergency assets on the ground to respond to the impacts of this storm.”
Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and areas where roads are flooded. Some 38 million people live in the region covered by the state of emergency. At least two people have died after being struck by falling trees in two separate incidents. The first happened in Yuba City, north of Sacramento. The second occurred in Santa Cruz County.
Dozens of others have been rescued from floodwaters after being trapped in vehicles. At least 10 homes have been destroyed by mudslides and flooding. At least 500,000 residents are currently without power due to the strong storm.
The storm is expected to continue dumping rain on the region through Wednesday before moving northeast, where it is expected to dissipate.
