At the end of 2022, a deadly winter storm swept across the U.S. leaving dozens dead and making international headlines. Now as 2023 begins, there is more newsmaking American weather: heavy rains and powerful winds are pounding the state of California, toppling trees, causing flash floods, rock slides and massive blackouts. At least two people have been killed, including a toddler who died when a tree fell on his home.
AFP photographer Josh Edelson captured from above a submerged road near the town of Sebastopol where rescue teams worked to evacuate residents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency to “allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops.” Indeed, forecasters have warned that the storm is just the first of a series that is expected to lash out at the West Coast this month.