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Updated Jan 11, 2023 - Science

In photos: "Potent" atmospheric river causes damage across California

Rebecca Falconer
This aerial view shows two cars siting in a large sinkhole that opened during a day of relentless rain, January 10, 2023 in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

Two cars siting in a large sinkhole that opened during a day of relentless rain on Jan. 10 in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

An "endless onslaught of potent" extreme weather systems with atmospheric rivers are pummelling California with heavy rainfall, powerful winds and staggeringly high mountain snowfalls, per the National Weather Service.

The big picture: The latest and most extreme atmospheric river to hit the state since the bombardement began late last month has forced thousands of Californians to evacuate as it caused mudslides and widespread flooding and left tens of thousands without power following the deadly storms.

A screenshot of a Cal Fire photo tweet of the storm response, saying: " #CA continues to see heavy rain/snow, causing flooding, downed trees/power lines, & road closures"
Photo: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)/Twitter
This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023.
A flooded neighborhood of Merced on Jan. 10. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
In an aerial view, San Francisco Department of Public Works workers clean up a tree that fell on Fulton Street after a storm passed through the area on January 10, 2023 in San Francisco.
San Francisco Department of Public Works workers clean up a tree that fell on the road after a storm passed through the area on Jan. 10. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
People walk amid storm debris washed up on the beach on January 10, 2022 in Aptos, California.
Debris washed up on the beach on Jan. 10 in Aptos. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
A screenshot of a Cal Fire tweet showing rescues with the comment: "As storms continue across #CA & evacuation warnings/orders are issued in parts of the state, it’s important to be prepared!"
Photo: Cal Fire/Twitter
Lifelong Montecito resident George Quirin, 63, looks at a flooded Jameson Lane in Montecito, a result of San Ysidro Creek overflowing due to heavy rainfall in the area. P
Lifelong Montecito resident George Quirin, 63, looks at a flooded Jameson Lane in Montecito, a result of San Ysidro Creek overflowing due to heavy rainfall in the area. Photo: Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
A sinkhole caused by a rain storm in front of the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, California, US, on Monday, Jan. 9.
A sinkhole in front of the Oakland Zoo in Oakland on Jan. 9, which authorities say was caused by heavy rains. Photo: Shelby Knowles/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A flooded home partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on Jan. 9.
A flooded home partially underwater in Gilroy on Jan. 9. Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
Workers clears fallen trees caused by a winter storm on January 9, 2023 in San Mateo County, California.
Workers clear fallen trees caused by the storm on Jan. 9 in San Mateo County. Photo: Liu Guanguan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images
A view of damage on the road after storm and heavy rain in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Silicon Valley in Scotts Valley, California, United States on January 09.
Damage to a road after a heavy rainstorm in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Silicon Valley in Scotts Valley on Jan. 9. Photo: Neal Waters/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Brayan Suarez leaps to avoid getting wet while crossing to the other side as the rain water builds up on the ground at Santee Alley in Los Angeles.
A man leaps to avoid getting wet while crossing as the rain water builds up on the ground in Los Angeles. Photo: Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Flashback... In photos: Storm slams California with hurricane-force winds, heavy rains

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos.

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