AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
A motorist in Redding, California died after being trapped in their water-filled car during recent storms. Authorities responded to a 911 call, but CPR failed to revive the victim. This incident follows a wet winter for the Western US, marked by deadly flooding in Oregon and Washington due to an atmospheric river in December. Los Angeles, still recovering from a wet November, faces flash flood warnings, with Mayor Bass urging caution and deploying resources for the homeless. Atmospheric rivers, vital for West Coast precipitation, form in tropical regions and are responsible for a large portion of the region’s rainfall.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
Authorities in Redding, a city in northern California, reported that a motorist died on Sunday after becoming stranded in their vehicle.
While the cause is under investigation, the city’s mayor, Mike Littau, said that a 911 call came in from someone who was stuck in their car that was filling with water. Redding police went into the water, broke the car windows, pulled the victim out and gave them CPR, but they did not survive.
It has already been a wet winter for states in the western US. An unusually strong atmospheric river system in December has brought deadly flooding, breached levees and power outages across Oregon and Washington.
And this week’s storms come a month after an autumn storm in late November dumped 5.5 inches of rain on Los Angeles, making it the wettest November in decades. Top of mind for many, back in November and now, is the risk of mudslides and heavy debris flow in the burn-scarred areas where the Eaton and Palisades fires ravaged neighborhoods and hillsides at the beginning of the year.
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles announced a flash flood warning for the region beginning on Tuesday and is urging people to use caution while traveling for the upcoming holiday. The city is also deploying staff with the Los Angeles homeless services authority (Lahsa) to get supplies and hotel vouchers to those living outside.
“Los Angeles City personnel are preparing for the storm this holiday week. First responders, public works crews, and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather,” Bass said in a statement on Monday. “Angelenos planning to travel to spend time with family and loved ones this holiday week should use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed.
Atmospheric rivers generally form in tropical regions, where warm temperatures can cause water vapor to rise into the atmosphere, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
They occur globally but are especially significant on the west coast of the United States, where they create 30% to 50% of annual precipitation, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
