March 10 — California is getting ready for possible flooding after what is being called a “atmospheric river” of heavy rain and snow. Two people have died and thousands of people have been told to leave their homes.
On Friday, President Joe Biden called a state of emergency in order to get ready.
The head of California’s Office of Emergency Services, Nancy Ward, confirmed that two people have died. Also, Ward confirmed that 9,400 people have been told to leave.
The system got worse on Friday morning, but it was expected to get better again by Friday night.
The National Weather Service for Los Angeles tweeted Friday that heavy rain and thunderstorms will get worse in all of western Santa Barbara County through the afternoon. “Rapid flooding is more likely to happen in cities and along streams west of Goleta.”
On Friday, parts of California were getting ready for major flooding. The California National Guard was getting ready to use special vehicles in case parts of the state were hit by high water.
“Yesterday, the 2632nd Transportation Company of the California National Guard set up high-water vehicles at the Okinawa Armory. The unit is setting up emergency response vehicles in case the whole state floods “Friday, the California National Guard sent out a tweet.
On Friday, the California Department of Water Resources began letting water out of Lake Oroville to stop flooding and overflow. Even though California has been going through a drought, the water is being let out as a safety measure.
“The main spillway at Oroville Dam is now letting water out. We are keeping a close eye on the storms that are coming, “Friday, the California Department of Water Resources posted a message on Twitter.
By Friday, 34 of California’s 58 counties had declared states of emergency.
Parts of San Luis Obispo County have been told to leave because of a fire.
“With the amount of rain that is expected, the Arroyo Grande Creek Channel could fill up and the south levee could be topped. South of the Arroyo Grande Creek Levee in Oceano, people should move to higher ground before 8 p.m. tonight “In a new report, the San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services said the following.
In his emergency declaration, Biden said, “FEMA is authorised to find, mobilise, and provide, at its own discretion, the equipment and resources needed to lessen the effects of the emergency.”
Also, a storm system that is moving through the central U.S. has brought snow and cut power to more than 100,000 people in Wisconsin.
In an update Friday, the National Weather Service said, “As a front moves into the area, severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are possible across Wisconsin this evening.”
