The Big Picture
Northern California faced a deadly atmospheric river storm that caused unprecedented flooding, leaving two people dead and communities grappling with severe impacts. Sonoma County, located 60 miles north of San Francisco, bore the brunt of the storm, which delivered three times the typical November rainfall in just three days.
Key Facts
Fatalities Reported: Two men lost their lives in separate incidents caused by floodwaters.
One man, in his mid-60s, died after attempting to drive through a flooded road in Guerneville. His car became submerged in six feet of water.
Another man was found dead near an overflowing creek in Santa Rosa.
Record Rainfall: Santa Rosa received 12.47 inches of rain over three days, qualifying the event as a 1,000-year rainfall. In Sonoma County, overall rainfall reached 20 inches.
Flood Advisories and Warnings: The National Weather Service warned against driving on flooded roads, emphasizing that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Incident Details
Guerneville Drowning: A passerby spotted the submerged car on Saturday and alerted authorities. Firefighters and deputies recovered the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not released his identity pending an autopsy.
Santa Rosa Creek Fatality: A hiker discovered the second victim's body on the Piner Creek Trail Saturday morning. Authorities suspect drowning, with an autopsy pending to confirm the cause of death.
Atmospheric River and Its Impact
The storm was fueled by an atmospheric river that began in the Pacific Northwest and swept into Northern California, bringing torrential rain and high winds.
Bomb Cyclone Formation: The storm intensified into a bomb cyclone off the coast near Vancouver Island, Canada, with winds gusting up to 101 mph.
Regional Effects: Washington and Oregon also experienced devastation, including two fatalities caused by falling trees. In Bellevue, WA, a tree struck a home, killing a woman inside.
What’s Next?
While rains eased Sunday, a flood advisory remains in effect through Monday afternoon in Sonoma County. Officials continue to monitor small streams and low-lying areas for potential flooding.
Bottom Line
The atmospheric river left a trail of destruction across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. With two confirmed deaths in Sonoma County and continued flood risks, authorities urge residents to prioritize safety and avoid flooded roads.
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