At least 17 people have died in California as a constant run of storms pound the state, turning rivers into gushing flood zones and driving hundreds of residents out of areas known for fatal mudslides.
Since late December, a terrible string of storms have wreaked havoc, with the most recent one occurring just recently with more storms on the horizon.
On Tuesday, there was further intense rain and wind, which resulted in hillsides collapsing, tens of thousands losing electricity, and entire neighborhoods being placed under flood warnings and evacuation orders.
The entire seaside community of Montecito – home to Prince Harry, Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities – was ordered to flee on the fifth anniversary of a mudslide that killed 23 people and destroyed more than 100 homes in the coastal enclave.
State officials confirmed the official death toll in a briefing on Tuesday afternoon with the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, saying the figure was “likely to grow”.
