The Monterey Peninsula, south of San Francisco, could be partially cut off from the rest of the state, Sheriff Tina Nieto warned in a press conference Wednesday (local time). “Some roads are closed and you could get stuck on one side or the other.”
Authorities have also asked residents of the low-lying areas along the Salinas River to evacuate the area because of the flooding. Emergency services have been looking for a five-year-old boy since Monday. Flooding had swept away the family’s car, US broadcaster CNN reported.
California is currently experiencing a third week of severe winter storms with heavy rains, high winds, mudslides and flooding. According to media reports, the ongoing storms have so far claimed at least 18 lives. Major roads were badly damaged and there were power cuts. The weather service warned of heavy rain in Northern California on Thursday. Storms are expected for the weekend.
(SDA)