2 Dead, Thousands Without Power in California After Storm Forces Evacuations

Vehicles stranded along the Interstate 80 at the Nevada State line and Colfax, Calif., on Dec. 31, 2022. California Highway Patrol Truckee via AP

Two people have died and nearly 200,000 homes and businesses in Sacramento, California were without power on New Year’s Eve after a powerful storm bought flash flooding, mudslides, and winds of up to 60 mph.

According to local reports, one person was found dead in a submerged vehicle in south Sacramento in the area of Highway 99 on Sunday morning after two levees along the Cosumnes River broke overnight, flooding roads, homes, and part of the highway.