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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A driver and two occupants clung to a tree overnight on Sunday after their vehicle was submerged by raging flood waters in California.
Urgent weather warnings have been issued across the state as an atmospheric river brings torrential rain and threatens floods and mudslides. The storm follows a similar system that brought a deluge of rain to California on Thursday. On Sunday, the second atmospheric river unleashed dangerous conditions across the state, requiring the San Bernardino County Fire Department to make a swift water rescue after a driver attempted to drive through the floodwaters.
Atmospheric rivers are defined as a "long, narrow region in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. More than a dozen atmospheric rivers battered the state last year, largely eliminating drought but creating severe problems such as flooding and mudslides.
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Fire department personnel were on scene at Keenbrook Road in the early morning hours of Monday morning to aid the victims after their car became stuck when crossing a flooded road.
"All three occupants stranded up in tree. Vehicle submerged in rapid flood waters," the fire department posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Rescue team setting up for entry."
However, the raging waters made the rescue attempt difficult.
"Extremely hazardous flow rate and limited to non-existent access are hampering efforts," the department posted on X in an update. "Swiftwater rescue teams and engine companies continue to look for opportunities. All victims remain in place."
Approximately two hours after efforts began, all three victims were rescued from the water. An updated post from the fire department said there were no injuries, although all three were being evaluated for hypothermia.
Newsweek reached out to the fire department by email for comment.
One video shared on X showed rescue efforts from the fire department after a vehicle was submerged in raging floodwaters near a tree, although it is unclear if the video is of the same rescue the department previously referenced.
"They still have not been able to rescue anyone. Water levels are so high and moving so fast this is one of the most difficult rescues I've ever witnessed," social media user @firephotogirl posted with the video, which showed several people stranded on the roof of a car.
On Sunday night, San Bernardino County declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the extreme rain and snow expected through Wednesday. California Governor Gavin Newsom also declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
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