California levee breached amid atmospheric river that forced evacuations, washed out roads
Residents of California were recently forced to evacuate their homes after a levee breached due to an atmospheric river that caused flooding, mudslides, and washed out roads.
The breach occurred at the San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, near Los Banos, and quickly spread to other areas of the region. Around 500 people were forced to leave their homes in Stanislaus County, and dozens of roads were closed due to flooding and mudslides.
The atmospheric river, a long band of moisture in the atmosphere, was responsible for the flooding and mudslides. It brought an estimated five to seven inches of rain to parts of the Central Valley, according to the National Weather Service.
The flooding caused by the atmospheric river led to the breach of a levee along the San Luis Reservoir. The breach caused water to flow into the nearby Delta-Mendota Canal, and water levels in the canal rose by several feet.
The flooding also caused mudslides and washed out roads in the region. The California Department of Transportation closed several roads due to the mudslides, including State Route 33 and State Route 152.
The atmospheric river is expected to move on from the region by Thursday, but the flooding and mudslides have caused significant damage to the area. The levee breach is also expected to cause long-term problems, as the water has been flowing into the Delta-Mendota Canal for several days.
Residents of California are currently dealing with the aftermath of the levee breach, and the flooding and mudslides caused by the atmospheric river. The damage, however, is expected to be repaired in the coming months.
