It was just a few days back when a strong Pacific storm brought heavy downpour along with gusty winds over California, thereby reportedly claiming 4 lives. Now, another flood-causing storm is expected to lash the country.
The torrential rains were so strong that for the first time in last 20 years, the spillway gates of the Don Pedro Reservoir were opened on Monday.
As per the National Weather Service, California's northern and central areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley were witnessing a series of storms hovering over them. Hence, there are chances of damaging storms to occur over the region leading to flash flooding.
After the flash flood warnings were issued, evacuation process also picked up pace on Monday. Particularly people residing along a section of the Carmel River in Monterey County and adjoining areas of Salinas near Santa Rita Creek were told to clear off the region.
People living in the rural region of Royal Oaks were also asked to leave the place keeping in mind the possibility of mudslides.
As per the weatherman, the Carmel River has witnessed flooding several times in the last month and is expected to scale up to 11 feet by Tuesday. On the contrary, the Salinas River near Spreckels could also rise up to 26 feet by Tuesday night.
Moreover, the Santa Cruz County which has already received 2.8 inches of rain in last 24 hours is expected to witness up to 8 inches of rain until the storm passes on Tuesday. San Francisco also observed up to one and a half inches of rains.
In fact, the Meteorological Department also states that San Francisco has already surpassed its monthly normal. The pre-evacuation warning was also issued for several roads near downtown North Fork. Heavy snow is also forecast in the Lake Tahoe area with a high avalanche danger along the area of the Sierra Nevada from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass.
Image Credit: dailybulletin.com
