Warning of "Catastrophic Flooding"

Meteorological experts have warned that central California is at risk of "catastrophic flooding" this weekend. The most populous state in the United States has experienced historically high rainfall for the past three weeks. A series of storms have led to the deaths of at least 19 people, according to authorities, due to floods, landslides, widespread power outages, and falling trees. A new low-pressure system has formed in California, raising concerns among authorities in the central part of the state. Predictions indicate that the Monterey Peninsula may find itself isolated from the outside world due to rising waves, and the city of Salinas, with a population of 160,000, could be submerged. The National Weather Service warned that "the entire lower Salinas Valley will experience catastrophic flooding." They added that "the entire city of Salinas is at risk of flooding. Most areas of Castroville will be submerged. All roads near the Salinas River will flood and become impassable," with expectations that over 36,000 hectares of farmland will be inundated. All infrastructure, roads, and homes are at risk of significant damage. Several areas in the region have received evacuation orders, while the Monterey Peninsula remains threatened with isolation if the waters cut off the roads. Officials in Monterey warned earlier this week that "residents of the peninsula and the Salinas area should expect to be isolated for two to three days."