Evacuations ordered as storm pummels California

More than 9,000 California residents were under evacuation orders as a new atmospheric river brought heavy rain and flooding several major highways during the morning commute. In Santa Cruz County, a creek bloated by rain destroyed a portion of Main Street in Soquel isolating several neighborhoods.

Crews were working to remove trees and other debris and find a way for people to cross the creek, county officials said. Several public parks were closed to visitors due to the ongoing heavy rain. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in 34 counties in recent weeks, and the Biden administration approved a presidential disaster declaration for some on Friday morning.