www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/16/california-weather-rainstorms-deadly-atmospheric-river
On the central coast, more than 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate seaside towns last week, including all of Montecito – the wealthy community that is home to Prince Harry, Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities. Officials in Santa Barbara shut down schools and public transit systems due to the extreme weather. Further south in Los Angeles, a sinkhole swallowed two cars and flooded a downtown transit hub.
The storm also caused a sewage spill of more than 14m gallons into the Ventura River, prompting authorities to post warning signs along the river and beaches.
Workers with Cal Trans have spent recent weeks clearing trees, rocks and mud from state highways after the storms closed as many as 60 roads. “We’re doing everything we can to keep the highways open,” the department’s deputy director Michael Keever said Friday.
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Caltrans District 7
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This amazing aerial video shows one of the many reasons State Route 33 is closed in both directions from Lomita Ave. in Ojai to the Ozena Fire Station (just south of Lockwood Valley Road) in Los Padres Nat’l Forest. Closed until further notice to repair substantial storm damage.
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8:38 PM · Jan 12, 2023
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With rain expected through the week, authorities are warning Californians to listen to local officials, stay aware of their surroundings and not attempt to drive or walk in water – just 6in of fast-moving water can knock over and carry an adult while just a foot of water can carry away a small car.