California's Deadly Torrents Warn of Memorial Day Recreation Risks

At least seven people have died or gone missing this spring.

The vast Sierra Nevada snowfall has turned California's rivers into hazardous torrents, prompting danger alerts from public safety authorities ahead of Memorial Day weekend, which marks the start of summer recreation.

At least seven people, including two children, have died or gone missing this spring while navigating California's fierce rivers. There have also been many rescue operations, AP News reported.

Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson Capt. Justin Sylvia in Sacramento, where the American River runs, emphasized this year's unusual circumstances, including greater water levels, quicker currents, and cooler temperatures.

Sacramento has already had 20 water rescues this year, almost the same as all of 2022. Swift-water rescue teams conducted drills on Tuesday at the lower American River near its junction with the Sacramento River.

Thousands of visitors participate in traditional Sacramento activities like floating, swimming, and rafting on the American River during Memorial Day weekend, making it among the busiest weekends of the year.

Officials highly advise avoiding river activity and even wading near the coast due to the approaching circumstances. Besides mountain thunderstorms, forecasts expect pleasant temperatures in Northern California's interior.

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services issued a specific warning alert about the current circumstances in light of the increase in Californians going outside, highlighting the presence of rapidly moving water after months of severe weather.

Expect High Volumes of Travelers

The popular tourist attraction Sequoia National Park is also mostly closed, except for the foothills region. This is due to escalating torrents and streams brought on by ongoing runoff. The unusually high water levels were not witnessed in previous years, per LA Times.

Grant Grove at Kings Canyon National Park lets visitors see sequoias and snow instead of General Sherman, the world's tallest tree/

Meanwhile, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) constructed a second mobile phone waiting lot near 96th Street and Alverstone Avenue to handle the projected increase in travelers.

LAX had 1.2 million travelers from Wednesday through Monday, making Thursday the most significant day since March 2020, per NBC Los Angeles. The Automobile Club of Southern California indicated that 3.3 million Southern Californians are expected to travel during the Memorial Day weekend.

Californians travel and play at this time of the year. Hence, everyone is advised to observe precautions for a safe and fun holiday weekend.

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California, Los Angeles, United States
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