The death toll in California has risen after once-in-a-generation weather left residents of the mountain community trapped in massive snowdrifts.
As of Thursday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said it had responded to 13 death investigations, with only one directly related to extreme weather.
That person died in a traffic accident, according to Fox 11, with four others in the hospital or in the hospital.
“From the preliminary information we have at this time, the circumstances seen at the scenes did not appear to be weather-related. Many of the deceased had significant medical histories or chronic conditions. Seven of those deceased were taken to the Coroner’s Division for additional investigation,” the department told the outlet.
CALIFORNIA ONCE HAS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER AFTER A STORM
The Hollywood sign is seen with snowy mountains in the background from the Baldwin Hills area of Los Angeles on Thursday, March 2, 2023. ((AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill))
Residents of the state are still recovering after a series of storms dumped snow, made roads impassable and collapsed roofs. Many major roads remain closed, although the county reports that 95% of county-maintained roads have been cleared.
MICHIGAN REGULATORS ENCOURAGE PUBLIC COMMENT ON ENERGY TYPES
Cal Fire crews clear snow from the roof of the town’s post office after a storm, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Crestlin, California. ((AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez))
The county also offers rebates of up to $500 to residents and businesses to help cover what they spend on professional snow removal.
It was the first in a new series of atmospheric rivers in California on Thursday, and forecasters warned that heavy rains would increase the threat of flooding.
Fox 11 said residents and workers in the San Bernardino area were worried about the snow building more weight on roofs.
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At altitudes below 4,000 meters they will melt and flow in the midst of the Pineapple Express storm.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Julia Musto is a reporter for Fox News and Fox Business Digital.