How Californians are facing the onslaught of flooding, downpours and rough winds

March 19, 2023 at 09:03

This is what one Southern California community looked like last week, lifelong Ventura resident Angie Thompson said, after the state’s 11th atmospheric river this winter wrought hurricane-like winds and catastrophic flooding.
Gavin Newsom and other local leaders to tour damage, including the breached Pajaro River levee.
“Everyone is tired.”Yet again, though, the vast state is bracing for the wet blast of another atmospheric river – a long, narrow moisture band that carries saturated air thousands of miles, then discharges it like a fire hose.
A backyard pool is left hanging on a cliffside Thursday after torrential rain hit the beachfront town of San Clemente, California.
Flooding swept away a whole box of wedding albums, baby photos, clothing, appliances and tools likely passed down through generations.
Ruth Ruiz left in hurry before dawn March 11 and couldn’t immediately return, she told CNN affiliate KPIX.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesAs the latest of this year’s atmospheric rivers pushed toward shore, Berlanga stayed put with supplies, even as the furnace still showed markings from the 1995 flood, he told CNN.
Brian McGrath and his team also rushed into action – completing about 80 rescues in one day, he told CNN.
As another atmospheric river revs up, McGrath and his team are, as always, on call, ready to go within 45 seconds – in some cases for 48 hours or more straight – he said.
Without it, going from a long fire season straight into a long winter storm season would be completely draining.
As clinical director of Anxiety Experts in Southern California, Kulberg treats clients with anxiety stemming from the state’s deadly wildfires, mudslides and now its devastating floods, she told CNN.
• Regardless of what body sensations or thoughts of anxiety might be present, try to continue to do things that bring meaning and purpose to life.
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