California downpour prompts evacuation of Montecito community

The prestigious coastal town of Montecito, California, which is home to numerous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has been ordered to evacuate as a major storm hits the state.

A “relentless parade of cyclones” is expected to hit California over the next week, leading to flood watches for around 90% of the state’s population, or 34 million people.

The heavy rain has already claimed 12 lives and left thousands without power, with over 100,000 people still without electricity as of Monday afternoon. An evacuation order was issued by the Montecito Fire Department on Monday afternoon, directing residents to leave immediately.

The severe weather is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and heavy snow in northeastern California. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for areas around Los Angeles, including Orange County and the San Bernardino County Mountains, and schools in and around Sacramento have cancelled classes on Monday due to a flood advisory in the Sacramento Valley.

In response to the emergency, US President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for California on Monday, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide disaster relief.