17 Dead as California Storms Cause Extensive Damage and Evacuations Continue

Kim Ochoa leaves her Merced, Calif., home, which is surrounded by floodwaters, as storms continue to batter the state on Jan. 10, 2023. Noah Berger/AP Photo

Storms in California are causing widespread damage as rain continues to saturate many areas of the state without any major reprieve.

Rains were predicted to hit only Northern California on Jan. 11, giving the south a reprieve until more rainy weather arrived by the weekend. At least 17 people have died as a result of the storms that have ravaged the state and, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom, that figure is likely to rise. The official made his comments on Tuesday during a visit to Capitola, a picturesque area near the Santa Cruz coast that was heavily damaged by high waves and flooded by creek waters last week.