2023 hits Northern California with flooding and landslides, and more could be on the way
CBSNov 29, 2022
Massive Floods Lead to State of Emergency in Northern Calif.
Image copyright: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images [via CNN]
The Facts
Northern California has experienced large-scale flooding and damaging winds which have contributed to at least two deaths. Dozens of people have been rescued and hundreds of thousands of Californians are without power.
A major impact area was the agricultural area near Sacramento, including the low-elevation communities of Point Pleasant, Glanville Tract, and Franklin Pond.
The Spin
Narrative A
Northern California is experiencing record levels of precipitation and flooding. The connection between the power and frequency of atmospheric river-driven storms and climate change is undeniable. This is yet another example of our climate emergency in action.
Narrative B
It's easy to dismiss any extreme weather event as a consequence of climate change, but in reality, they're usually influenced by a myriad of factors that have nothing to do with it. More research is needed before we can establish any direct causal link between the two.