California Weather Causes Problems for Drivers and Residents
Recent heavy rains and high tides have caused flooding and road closures in several areas of California, creating difficulties for drivers and residents.
Northern California is under a flood watch, with more rain expected. This could mean further issues for communities that have already experienced a lot of rain since Christmas. Snow is also expected in the mountains.
Around the San Francisco Bay Area, floodwaters are slowly going down. However, roads were flooded due to heavy rain and very high tides. These high tides happen when the moon is close to the Earth, which makes the ocean’s pull stronger.
Some people had to use kayaks on flooded streets, and others walked through deep water. Authorities helped people whose cars were stuck in the high water.
Areas in Marin, Sonoma, Alameda, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties have all reported flooding.
Forecasters warned that more thunderstorms could cause more problems in low-lying areas. Drivers are being told to drive slowly and give themselves extra time to get where they are going.
In Santa Barbara County, a major highway was closed because of mudslides. A man died after being swept into a creek during the storm.
California has seen a lot of rain this holiday season, after a dry autumn.
