Atmospheric river: Three killed as record rainfall drenches California

A powerful storm sweeping through California has claimed the lives of at least three individuals due to falling trees, amidst a barrage of flooding, mudslides, and power outages.

Fire authorities have been actively responding to more than 130 flooding incidents and have carried out numerous rescues since the onset of the downpour.

Meteorologists warn that the heavy rainfall, posing life-threatening flash flooding risks, will persist through Tuesday.

The unprecedented amount of rainfall has prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency in eight counties.

This storm, attributed to an “atmospheric river” phenomenon, involves water vapour evaporating into the atmosphere and being transported by wind, forming extensive currents resembling terrestrial rivers.

This slow-moving tempest marks the second occurrence of an atmospheric river striking California within a fortnight.

Officials have issued evacuation mandates for select hillside communities in Southern California, notably in Los Angeles, where municipal authorities have declared a state of emergency.