The recent record storm known as ‘Atmospheric River’ in California resulted in two fatalities and up to $11 billion in damages and economic losses.
Accuweather’s initial estimate ranges between $9 billion and $11 billion, following over 10 inches of rain in the mountains near Los Angeles. This rainfall marks one of the wettest two-day periods in 147 years, according to AccuWeather.
One person lost their life due to a tree limb, and another died when a tree collapsed onto their home, as reported by the governor’s office.
William Churchill, a forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center said, “We are still concerned. But the rainfall itself is starting to wrap up.”
This storm was recorded as the second powerful atmospheric river, which was a long stream of moisture from the Pacific Ocean, to hit California within a week.
Accuweather reports that a year ago, a series of atmospheric rivers led to the deaths of 22 people and caused up to $34 billion in damages in the state.
Scientists anticipate that global warming will amplify the extremes of California’s wet and dry seasons, leading to more severe downpours and droughts.
