A powerful winter storm swept through California, bringing heavy rainfall that resulted in widespread flooding, airport closures, and numerous rescues. The Santa Barbara airport shut down due to flooding on the runways caused by up to 10 inches of rain in the area. As floodwaters continued to rise, airport officials announced the closure would remain in effect until further notice. Amid the storm, a woman’s body was discovered near downtown Santa Barbara, prompting authorities to caution residents to avoid waterways during inclement weather.

The National Weather Service issued warnings of significant flooding along California’s central coast, with rainfall totals of up to 5 inches predicted for many areas and isolated amounts of up to 10 inches in mountain ranges. Although this storm was expected to move through more swiftly than a previous atmospheric river event, which caused widespread devastation earlier in the month, it still posed significant risks. Moderate showers persisted into Monday afternoon, with forecasts indicating continued rain throughout the night and into Tuesday.

The storm prompted multiple rescues across the state, including three individuals rescued from the rising Salinas River in Paso Robles and two people rescued from a stalled vehicle in floodwaters in Sloughhouse. Additionally, a man camping in El Dorado Hills became trapped in a tree as floodwaters rose, requiring rescue.

Further concerns arose as thunderstorms in the vicinity of Sacramento brought the possibility of tornadoes, hail, heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Residents in affected regions were advised to monitor weather updates closely.

Preparations were underway across the state, with residents stocking up on sandbags and emergency supplies to protect their homes and businesses. Flash flood watches and warnings were issued for coastal and mountainous areas, with motorists urged to avoid travel in mountain regions due to heavy snowfall.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and secured federal assistance for recovery efforts in San Diego following record rains in January. As the storm continued to unfold, authorities remained vigilant, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.