California Storm Aftermath: Recovery Starts After Atmospheric River System Wreaks Havoc, Kills At Least 20 Californians

Atmospheric rivers submerged California with raging floodwaters and mudslides for several weeks since late December 2022.

Now that the Pacific storm train has left, the Golden state is recovering from the devastation left by the brutal storm system which poured heavy rain and caused massive flooding, as well as unleashed powerful winds that damaged or destroyed infrastructure, including roads and power lines.

The California storm aftermath saw the deaths of at least 20 people and the displacement of thousands of people, including residents who forced to flee their homes during evacuation orders.

Meteorologists attribute the recent extreme weather event in California and across the West Coast as one of the most powerful storms in history.

The weather phenomenon also occurred amid drought across the region.

The wake of the storm also saw the replenishing of depleted water reservoirs across California, which suffered severe to extreme drought in recent years.

The much-needed rain poured into the state which experienced multiple wildfires and dry conditions over the past decade.

California Storm Cleanup Efforts

(Photo : Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: In an aerial view, farming equipment is seen submerged in floodwater after the Salinas River overflowed its banks on January 13, 2023 in Salinas, California. Several atmospheric river events continue to pound California with record rainfall and high winds.

California is facing a long, costly storm recovery after the atmospheric river system led to more than 500 mudslides, damaged or closed vital bridges, and flooded communities in the last few weeks, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Local authorities reportedly stated the atmospheric river storms inflicted extensive damage to as many as 40 out of the 58 counties of the state.

In addition, total repairs coast could reach as high as $1 billion, as cited by the LA-based daily newspaper.

Cleanup operations continue following the final storm earlier this week. During the weekend, US President Joe Biden approved an "Expedited Major Disaster Declaration," which orders federal aid to recovery efforts in areas affected by California's recent extreme storm onslaught.

All 58 counties are able to access pubic federal emergency funds which includes hazard mitigation assistance, which pertains to federal aid given to state and local governments and non-profit organizations to reduce risk to life and property, the LA Times added.

Also Read: California Storm Death Toll Increases to 18 as Persistent Wet Weather Affects the West Coast

Current Storm Path

The storm system over California is advancing further inland, and meteorologists, as well as the National Weather Service (NWS), expect it will bring heavy snowfall in the Four Corners region.

However, a new but weak storm system is forecasted to hit the northern and central parts of California on Wednesday but the rain and snowfall are not expected to be significant or severe.

Local officials have stated that the deadly California storm killed more people in recent weeks than wildfires in the past two years as cited by CNN.

While the atmospheric river storms did not fully eradicated the drought in California, it helped alleviate its dry conditions and depleted water reservoirs, as mentioned earlier.

For instance, water levels at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Sierra Nevada is now 80% full, according to Palo Alto Online.

Related Article: Final Storm in California Will Move Into the Four Corners Region [NWS]