By Chantal Da Silva -
NBC News
California is bracing for a “cyclone parade,” forecasters warned Monday morning, as more than 110,000 utility customers woke up without power following torrential downpours and strong winds that battered the northern part of the state over the weekend. .
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that two "major episodes" of torrential rain and mountain snowfall would hit California in quick succession on Monday and Tuesday, with multiple cyclones moving toward the state.
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Two of the most "vigorous and moisture-laden" cyclones were heading "directly toward California."
According to the weather service, heavy rains Monday could bring three to five inches of rainfall near the coast.
A second episode is expected on Tuesday, with somewhat less intense rainfall, but which will affect more southern areas of southern California.
The cumulative effect of the rainfall is expected to cause flooding, including "rapid flooding, landslides and the possibility of large river floods," the weather service warned.
Matt Arthur cleans up debris after a severe storm hit Capitola, California, on January 6, 2023. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
On Sunday night, the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services ordered residents of the unincorporated area of Wilton, which has a population of more than 6,200, to evacuate immediately.
“Floods are imminent,” the order read.
“Out of an abundance of caution, residents should leave now before roads become impassable.
The rise of the water can overwhelm the nearest roads and cut off access to leave the area," she added.
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The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services also warned of strong winds in the community of Wilton, southeast of the city of Sacramento.
Santa Cruz County officials issued an evacuation warning for certain areas, noting that heavy rain and runoff were expected beginning Sunday night through Tuesday.
Residents in areas should be prepared to evacuate and move to higher ground.
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The warnings come at a time when California continues to deal with extreme weather conditions.
At least six people have died since New Year's weekend, including a child who died after a falling redwood tree crushed a mobile home in Northern California.
More than 100,000 California utility customers also lost power Sunday night after torrential rains and strong winds swept across the northern part of the state.
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As of early Monday morning, the number had risen to more than 115,000 utility customers without power, according to online outage tracker PowerOutage.us.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday as California was battered by heavy rain and snow that caused flooding across the state.
The declaration allows local jurisdictions and state agencies to respond more quickly to weather changes.
According to research from the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), the climate crisis has doubled the likelihood of extreme precipitation in California.
It is expected that, by the end of the century, extreme weather conditions will generate between 200% and 400% more surface runoff, that is, rainwater that cannot be absorbed by the ground.
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Wade Crawford, state secretary of Natural Resources, declared Sunday that the January weather has been "supercharged by climate change."
A man walks his dog on the beach as a large wave crashes against the shore at Rodeo Beach in Sausalito, California, on January 7, 2023. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Over the next few days, the Sierra Nevada is expected to see heavy snowfall exceeding six feet in the highest areas before snowfall subsides Wednesday morning, according to the weather service.
Extremely heavy snow and heavy snowfall rates on higher ground in the Sierra Nevada are expected to make travel very dangerous and potentially impossible, so drivers should prepare for potential road closures.
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Snow accumulation could also increase the threat of avalanches and put a strain on infrastructure, while gusty winds could down trees and further power outages across the state.
"Residents and visitors throughout the region are advised to check their local forecast, never drive on flooded roads (Don't Drown!) and have an emergency kit and evacuation plan," the weather service said.
