California storm death toll reaches 17 as floods and extreme wind wreak havoc
CAPITOLA, Calif. — The latest in a series of intense winter storms continued to lash Northern California on Tuesday, bringing thunderstorms, heavy rain, wind and hail to the waterlogged region as the death toll from the extreme weather climbs.
The back-to-back atmospheric rivers that have battered the Golden State have led to at least 17 deaths, including those of two motorists who died early Tuesday in a crash on Highway 99 in Tulare County when a tree that had been struck by lightning fell onto the road, authorities said.
“These conditions are serious and they’re deadly,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a news conference in Capitola on Tuesday, adding that the number of deaths “tragically is likely to grow.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, 31 of California’s 58 counties had been declared disasters, he added. More than 30,000 people across the state have been evacuated from their homes.
About 155,000 Pacific Gas & Electric Co. customers were without power after efforts to
