Record rainfall prompts California flooding warning from FCDO
A state of emergency has been declared in eight Californian counties after record-breaking rainfall caused deadly flash flooding, claiming three lives and prompting an urgent Foreign Office travel warning.
Evacuation orders have been issued for some southern areas of the state, including parts of Los Angeles, while northerly San Francisco and surrounding areas have experienced landslides, the BBC reports.
Fire crews have responded to more than 130 flooding incidents across California, caused by a second slow-moving storm to hit the state in a matter of weeks. Forecasts of potentially life-threatening flash flooding has been extended into Tuesday (6 February).
The FCDO has warned of widespread flooding in southern California, particularly San Bernadino, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
"The storm is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to the area from Sunday 4 February through Wednesday 7 February," said the FCDO in an update to its US travel advice during the early hours of Tuesday morning (6 February).
"Visitors and residents should monitor the weather forecast and follow advice and guidance from local authorities, particularly around evacuation orders, road closures, power outages, and what to do in the event of potential contamination of drinking water."
Any British nationals or residents in the region are advised to follow updates from the Californian Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region Nine, both of which are available via Instagram, said the FCDO.
Regular updates from the US National Weather Service are available via Twitter/X, while further information about the situation in Los Angeles City and County are being issued through the ReadyLA website.
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