Storm creates chaos in California with flooding, mudslides
SAUSALITO, Calif. — Waves of heavy rain pounded California on Thursday, trapping people in floodwaters, washing away a mountain highway, triggering a mudslide that destroyed homes and forcing residents to flee communities scorched by wildfires last year.
At least two people died as the powerful system swept in from the Pacific Ocean and unleashed damaging rain, snow and wind.
The system was moving across the U.S. West into Wyoming and Colorado after walloping Northern California and southern Oregon a day earlier.
The National Weather Service reported staggering rainfall amounts across California, including more than 9.4 inches (24 centimetres) over 48 hours at one location in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles.