California reels under severe weather crisis as torrential rains bring flash flooding and landslides

California reels under severe weather crisis as torrential rains have brought flash flooding and landslides to the state. The state is dealing with blocked roads, falling trees, and raising avalanche fears due to the latest winter storm. The National Weather Service has warned of a high risk of excessive rainfall throughout the weekend.

US President Joe Biden has offered emergency federal assistance to all the affected states. This atmospheric disturbance that began on Thursday – is known as a “Pineapple Express” because it brings warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii.

As much as 10 inches of rain in 24 hours could fall in some parts of the state where there is snowpack, meaning the “potential for widespread flooding” is considerable according to the National Weather Service. Due to such strange and inhibiting weather conditions, the lack of ability to get equipment into the rugged and frost-laden terrain has hampered the progress of rescue efforts to a great deal.

California is still reeling from a series of extreme weather events this month and last. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in 34 counties in the state amid one of its wettest winters on record. At least eight deaths are possibly related to the weather, while two deaths have been confirmed due to the storms.