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Two dead amid California heavy rains and mudslides Five dead amid California heavy rains and mudslides
(about 4 hours later)
At least two people are dead amid mudslides in Southern California, where heavy rains triggered flooding and massive run-off, US media report. At least five people are dead amid mudslides in Southern California, where heavy rains triggered flooding and massive run-off, US media report.
"Waist-deep" mudslides in areas scorched by wildfires last month shut down more than 30 miles (48km) of the main coastal highway, officials say."Waist-deep" mudslides in areas scorched by wildfires last month shut down more than 30 miles (48km) of the main coastal highway, officials say.
Emergency crews are working to rescue multiple people trapped in vehicles and homes, a Santa Barbara official said.Emergency crews are working to rescue multiple people trapped in vehicles and homes, a Santa Barbara official said.
At least eight people were injured and thousands have fled ahead of the rain.At least eight people were injured and thousands have fled ahead of the rain.
Heavy rain run-off caused waist-deep mudflow in the Montecito, where some homes were knocked from their foundations, Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason told the Los Angeles Times newspaper.Heavy rain run-off caused waist-deep mudflow in the Montecito, where some homes were knocked from their foundations, Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason told the Los Angeles Times newspaper.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Kelly Huber told the newspaper two people were found dead on Tuesday in Montecito and may have been killed as result of the storm. Boulders the size of small cars were rolling down hillsides, and blocking roads, reports BBC News Los Angeles correspondent James Cook.
Among those taken to safety was a 14-year-old girl who had been trapped for hours in the ruins of her home.
The fire department published a picture of the girl encased in mud as she was led to safety.
County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said that five people were found dead on Tuesday in Montecito and may have been killed as result of the storm.
The US Coast Guard has sent "multiple airships to support rescue operations" and warn the public not to fly drones, otherwise the the flights will force to be grounded.
Wildfires in December, including the Thomas Fire, swept through the area burning vegetation that helps prevent flooding and landslides.Wildfires in December, including the Thomas Fire, swept through the area burning vegetation that helps prevent flooding and landslides.
Thousands of California residents were asked to evacuate on Monday for the second time in two months.Thousands of California residents were asked to evacuate on Monday for the second time in two months.
Homeowners in the area shared photos of mud in their homes.Homeowners in the area shared photos of mud in their homes.
Several roads are closed due to mudslides and debris, including the major thoroughfare Highway 101.Several roads are closed due to mudslides and debris, including the major thoroughfare Highway 101.
After a wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil create a water repellent layer which blocks water absorption and leads to an increased risk of mudslides and floods.After a wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil create a water repellent layer which blocks water absorption and leads to an increased risk of mudslides and floods.
"Recent burn areas will be especially vulnerable where dangerous mud and debris flows are possible," said the National Weather Service in a statement."Recent burn areas will be especially vulnerable where dangerous mud and debris flows are possible," said the National Weather Service in a statement.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shared a warning for California homeowners explaining that homes that had never flooded before were now at risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency shared a warning for California homeowners explaining that homes that had never flooded before were now at risk.
About 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders on Monday.About 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders on Monday.
This comes after a record-setting year of $306 billion (£226 billion) of weather and climate-related disaster costs in the United States, the third warmest year on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This comes after a record-setting year of $306 billion (£226 billion) of weather and climate-related disaster costs in the United States, the third warmest year on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The storm over California is expected to produce 4 inches to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in the foothills and 9 inches (23 cm) in select areas. Snow is forecast for higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service. The storm over California is expected to produce 4 inches to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in the foothills and 9in (23cm) in select areas. Snow is forecast for higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.