California has been experiencing extreme weather, including a “relentless march of atmospheric rivers” – storms that are long plumes of moisture extending out into the Pacific Ocean that can drop staggering amounts of rain and snow. With the rolling series of storms have come powerful winds and high surf.
The storms have caused mass evacuations, along with widespread power outages, downed trees and difficult driving conditions. Parts of California have received more than 3 feet of rain since Christmas, while the Sierra Nevada Mountains have had their snowiest start to the season, already exceeding season averages. At least 17 people have died.
These aerial photos show the devastating impact across the state.
A home sits partially underwater in Gilroy, California, January 9.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
In the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles, two cars were swallowed by a sinkhole after a day of incessant rain on January 10. Four people escaped, two with minor injuries.
Trucks and homes are partially submerged in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, Calif., on January 10.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
A flooded road in Sebastopol, Calif., Jan. 5.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
The Capitola Wharf was severely damaged during a powerful winter storm, January 6 in Capitola, Calif.
Homes are surrounded by floodwaters on January 11 in Planada, Calif. The Central Valley town of Planada was devastated by widespread flooding after a severe atmospheric river event moved through the area earlier in the week.
A tree was felled during a winter storm with high winds in Sacramento, Calif., on January 8.
A vehicle is forced to turn around on a busy road in Sebastopol, Calif., January 5.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Flooding occurred near downtown Sacramento, California due to rainstorms Sacramento and the American Rivers, January 11, 2023.
Riviera Vacation Mobile Estates / Senior Community is flooded after another wave of storms in Merced, Calif., Jan. 10, 2023.
A flooded street in Atwater, Calif., January 12, 2023.
Homes surrounded by flooding are seen on January 11, 2023 in Planada, Calif.