Communities across California and Washington state are picking up the pieces after a brutal storm system unleashed torrential rains and power outages last week. Over 50,000 residents remain without electricity as crews scramble to clear debris and restore services.
What happened? The atmospheric river event—nicknamed 'Stormzilla' by locals—dropped a month’s worth of rain in 48 hours, triggering landslides and flooding. Coastal towns saw waves as high as 30 feet, while mountain areas reported snowfalls disrupting travel.
Why it matters: Experts warn such extreme weather events could become more frequent due to shifting climate patterns. 'This isn’t just a bad week—it’s a wake-up call,' said one climate researcher in a social media clip that’s gone viral.
Recovery mode: Volunteers and emergency teams are mobilizing to distribute supplies, with pop-up shelters offering hot meals. Meanwhile, TikTok influencers are rallying donations using hashtags like #WestCoastStrong.
What’s next? While skies are clearing, officials urge caution near unstable hillsides and damaged infrastructure. Stay tuned for updates as the region rebuilds!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com