Residents of Northern California Agricultural Community Evacuate After Pajaro River Levee Breach from Atmospheric River Flooding

Residents of a Northern California agricultural community were forced to evacuate early Saturday after the Pajaro River’s levee was breached by flooding from an atmospheric river. This storm is the second atmospheric river to hit the state in the past few days, bringing heavy rain, mountain snow, and the threat of even more flooding to northern and central California.

More than 8,500 people were under evacuation orders and warnings in Monterey County, including roughly 1,700 residents from the unincorporated community of Pajaro. Many of these residents are Latino farmworkers. The Pajaro River’s levee was breached by the flooding, and the National Weather Service has warned that the river will continue to flow uncontrolled until interim protective measures can be taken.

The new storm is expected to hit the state Monday, and about 15 million people remain under flood watches in California and Nevada as the storm approaches. Emergency personnel have been working to secure the area and protect residents from the flooding.

The atmospheric rivers consist of long, narrow bands of moisture that carry warm air and water vapor from the tropics. This is the second atmospheric river to hit the state in the past few days, and the National Weather Service is warning that more flooding could make for a dire situation in some areas. Residents are urged to stay alert and follow the advice of local officials.