17 dead, $1 billion in damage so far

The “endless stream of atmospheric river events” that has drenched much of California for two weeks will re-focus Wednesday across northern California with heavy rain on already saturated ground likely to produce more flooding, forecasters said.

A wind advisory also was in effect, and gusts of up to 60 mph combined with saturated soils will result in a higher likelihood for down trees, the National Weather Service said.

At least 17 people have died in wave of ferocious storms that have rolled across the state in the last two weeks. Damage could exceed $1 billion, experts say.

There was some good news Wednesday. Power outages were down sharply across the state: About 50,000 homes and businesses were in the dark. About five times that many were without power Tuesday.

And Santa Barbara County canceled all evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. That includes Montecito, home to Prince Harry, Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities where 23 people died and more than 100 homes were destroyed in a mudslide five years ago.

WHAT IS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER?These rivers of water vapor can extend thousands of miles.

But four more atmospheric rivers are heading toward the state in the next 10 days, Gov. Gavin Newsom warned.

“Megadroughts. Wildfires. Historic floods and atmospheric rivers. This whiplash weather is not an anomaly,” Newsom tweeted. “California is proof that the climate crisis is real and we have to take it seriously.”

MORE STORMS ON THE WAY:4 more storms heading toward California in next 10 days, Newsom warns

NEW NORMAL?:Are California’s storms normal, or is climate change making them worse? What experts say.

Other developments:

►Snow will remain in the forecast for the northern California mountains and parts of the Sierra, the weather service said. Some areas already have received more than 10 feet of snow in the last two weeks.

►The previous storm that walloped California was making its way east, and severe thunderstorms were possible in the Southeast on Thursday, forecasters said. Rain and some thunderstorms expand up the East Coast into Thursday night; heavy snow is possible over northern New England by early Friday.

DISASTER COSTS:18 billion-dollar disasters killed nearly 500 people last year, NOAA says

Thousands of Californians remain displaced

Thousands of people across the state living near rain-swollen creeks and rivers remained under evacuation orders. In the San Joaquin Valley, Bear Creek flooded parts of the city of Merced and neighboring Planada along a highway to Yosemite National Park. All 4,000 residents of Planada were ordered to leave Tuesday. Neighborhoods were under water with cars submerged up to their roofs, and some residents carried away whatever they could salvage.

Other evacuations were ordered prompted by a levee breach in parts of Monterey County. Repairs were underway.

“We understand people are eager to get home but appreciate your patience while we keep these areas free for contractors,” Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said.  

GRAPHIC VIEW OF EPIC STORMS:Graphics show how the coastal state has been drenched

Contributing: The Associated Press