California Continues To Face Severe Storm Conditions - Here’s How To Help

What’s the story?

• California is being hit with weeks of torrential downpours leading to flash floods, mudslides, power outages, sinkholes, and a death toll of 15. 
• On Monday, 90% of the state’s population was under a flood watch as rainfall has been between 400-600% above average, according to the National Weather Service. Tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders. 
• President Biden declared an emergency on Monday to bring federal relief efforts to over a dozen California counties. 
• The damage from the storm could cost as much as a billion dollars, with AccuWeather's chief meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, saying it “will unfortunately join the club of billion-dollar disasters.”
• Here is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast for the next five days. 

Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Get to know flash flood safety

• Flash floods are sudden, rapid floods that can overtake areas within minutes, giving people little time to react. They can be caused by dams or levees breaking, mudslides, or after heavy rainfall in areas where the ground is unable to absorb water.
• The Weather Service issues a variety of warnings and watches in the event of flash flooding. A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash floods, while a flash flood warning means that flash flooding is imminent or occurring. Make sure to know your area's flood risk and always check weather forecasts for advisories.
• Flash floods can appear less dangerous than they truly are. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• In the event of flash flooding, move to higher ground as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams or drive through flooded roadways. If you must walk through water, walk where it is not moving and use a stick or some object to test the firmness of the ground in front of you. 
• Learn more about floodwater safety here.

Here's how to help

• The American Red Cross dispatched hundreds of trained disaster workers throughout the state and is working to mobilize government and community resources to help those affected by the storm. The organization is encouraging people to make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief to help Californians recover. You can learn more and donate here, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text REDCROSS to 90999.
• Funds and volunteers are needed in Santa Cruz County, where over 30,000 residents were evacuated due to flooding and landslides. Donate to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to help residents and local organizations, or sign up to volunteer at the emergency shelter here. 
• Direct Relief is shipping out personal hygiene kits across the Bay Area with soap, shampoo, dental supplies, necessary medicines, and more, and is offering medical aid in the Bay Area. Click here to learn more, and donate here. 

Help Californians impacted by the storm. 

-Jamie Epstein & Casey Dawson

(Photo credit: Twitter/@ghmplanner)