Robert Brainard III,Chad N. Ensey Obituary – A powerful storm fueled by an atmospheric river wreaked havoc in California, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals due to fallen trees. One of the victims, Robert Brainard III, 45, lost his life when a tree collapsed onto his home in Boulder Creek. Fortunately, another person present in the house managed to escape unharmed. In a separate incident, a second man, David Gomes, 82, was fatally injured when a large redwood tree fell on him while he was attempting to clear it away from his residence using a ladder.
The Yuba City Police Department reported this incident on their Facebook page. Additionally, Chad N. Ensey, 41, tragically lost his life when a tree fell on him in his backyard in Carmichael. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office confirmed Ensey’s death, classifying it as an accident. According to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist from the University of California, Los Angeles, the storm was extraordinary and even reached the status of a bomb cyclone as it descended upon the state. Swain expressed concern about the prolonged rainfall and the stationary position of the atmospheric river over Southern California, which has persisted for the past 18 hours. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for much of Southern California and has urged residents to remain vigilant due to the risk of flooding, mudslides, and debris flows caused by the saturated ground.
As the storm continues, the National Weather Service predicts a decrease in rainfall across Southern California compared to previous days. However, the potential for flooding and other hazards remains due to the already saturated conditions. Residents must stay alert and take necessary precautions during this challenging weather situation.