Meteorologists have warned that California, in the western United States, is at risk of catastrophic floods, at a time when another storm has left victims and material losses in the southern states of Alabama and Georgia.

Yesterday, Friday, the US meteorologist said that central California is exposed to major floods this weekend, which falls on Saturday and Sunday, at a time when the state is hit by an eighth consecutive storm accompanied by strong winds.

It also warned that "the entire Lower Salinas Valley will witness catastrophic floods." The meteorologist said that the entire city of Salinas - with a population of 160,000 - is at risk of flooding, and that most of Castroville may be flooded, noting that water may flood more than 36,000 hectares. of agricultural land.

The US National Weather Service also indicated that the Monterey Peninsula may be cut off from the world due to high waves.

California Governor Gavin Nesom and other local and federal officials urged residents of the state to stay alert for more flooding and damage.

An official in Nisom's office said that the water flooded homes and caused landslides, noting that thousands of people were evacuated on Friday.

Hikers had an enthusiastic response while spotting a rare waterspout off the Sonoma County coast.

According to the NWS, these are essentially tornadoes forming over water during storms like the recent atmospheric rivers that hit Northern California.

https://t.co/YYpLJfNE97#CAwx pic.twitter.com/EqpTURL4VW

— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) January 13, 2023

It rained 3 weeks ago

In this most populous state, rainfall has been continuing for 3 weeks and has reached rates described as historic, and due to water saturation, experts fear major floods.

According to the authorities, since late December, at least 19 people have been killed in California in a series of storms that have caused floods, landslides, widespread power outages and downed trees.

The water level in the Salinas River rose as a result of weeks of heavy rain, and its flooding in some areas caused agricultural lands to flood, and is expected to cause torrential rains that may continue until tomorrow.

In anticipation of major floods, the authorities ordered the residents of some areas - including the Monterey Peninsula - to evacuate, as expectations indicate that these areas may be completely isolated for a period of two or 3 days.

Storm-damaged homes in Selma, Alabama (European)

Alabama and Georgia

Meanwhile, the local authorities in the states of Alabama and Georgia announced the death of 8 people as a result of strong cyclones and storms that hit the southern United States, and caused power outages for tens of thousands.

This storm also resulted in material damage to homes and infrastructure in the two states.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency in 6 counties severely affected by the storms: Otoga, Chambers, Cosa, Dallas, Elmore and Tallapoosa.

A tornado hit the Dallas area, destroying rooftops and causing "significant damage," according to Selma Mayor James Perkins, who called on residents to stay away from downed roads and power lines.

Strong winds and torrential rains destroyed homes and left tens of thousands without power in parts of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

Authorities canceled or delayed more than 250 flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Tornadoes are a phenomenon that is difficult to predict and recur in the United States, especially the central and southern regions.

And at the end of November, 36 tornadoes were recorded in Alabama and Mississippi, killing two people.