14 Dead, Thousands Evacuate California Flooding

Storms and severe weather along California's coast have prompted flooding, mudslides, and evacuations. 

For Context: 34 million Californians are under flood watch early Tuesday, which is 90% of California's population and 10% of all Americans. Montecito residents were ordered to evacuate earlier this week. Residents of the city include Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Harry and Megan (Duke and Duchess of Sussex), Jennifer Aniston, Ellen DeGeneres, Katy Perry, and Gwenyth Paltrow. Santa Barbara residents have been ordered to shelter in place. Over 220,000 homes are out of power across the state. 

Key Quote:  “As of Monday afternoon, winter storms have claimed the lives of 14 Californians – more lives than wildfires in the past two years combined,” said Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA),  "In so many ways, I think it's a preview of what's to come."

State of Emergency:  President Biden has approved an emergency declaration, which provides state and local officials with resources and help for counties most affected by the storms, including: El Dorado, Los Angeles, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Ventura counties. Rain is expected to continue through next Tuesday.