California storm death toll climbs to 20 as deluge begins to subside

Nine powerful atmospheric rivers delivered about 24.5tn gallons of water across the state, causing over $1bn dollars worth of damage

Sunshine beamed across parts of California on Tuesday, signaling a hopeful end to extreme downpours that drenched the Golden State. The nine powerful atmospheric rivers that bore down in quick succession over the last three weeks - dropping an estimated 24.5tn gallons of water across California from 26 December to 11 January - left death and disaster in their wake.

At least 20 people have been killed during the deluges, as the severe storms submerged streets, produced fast-moving flash floods and tore into inundated hillsides that sent mud sliding onto homes and highways. Along with torrents of rain, blustery winds ripped down trees and power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity during the storms.