At least 17 people have died in recent storms in California, where some of the most extensive rainfall in decades has triggered mudslides, washed out roads, downed thousands of trees, and opened up car-swallowing sinkholes in a state accustomed to drought. The death toll is now higher than that from "the last two wildfire seasons combined," reports the Los Angeles Times. And it's only "likely to grow," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday, per the Guardian. After a brief period of relief, another atmospheric river storm is expected Wednesday. More:
- Deaths: Deaths as a result of fallen trees and floodwaters overwhelming vehicles have been most common, per NBC News. Record-dry conditions have sapped moisture from trees, making them "more prone to snap and fall," per the LA Times. And as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis tells CNN, "it only takes 6 inches of water to lose control of a car" and "in 12 inches, cars start floating away."