A large and dangerous storm system has pounded California, resulting in at least two fatalities as trees fell on unsuspecting individuals. The storm unleashed record levels of rainfall in Southern California on Sunday, with no signs of relenting. As a result, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in eight Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego.

The storm, characterized by an intense atmospheric river, continued to unleash its fury on Monday. The Los Angeles metropolitan area experienced one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory, according to the National Weather Service. The situation in LA and Orange counties was declared "extremely dangerous" as rushing rivers, fallen trees, flooded streets, and power outages plagued the area. Harrowing landslides threatened to engulf the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains, causing significant damage to multiple homes and prompting dozens of evacuations.

The storm inflicted havoc across the entire state, with the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast enduring flooding, water rescues, and damaging winds. Tragically, more than two million people were left without power statewide by Monday morning.

Meteorologist Ryan Kittell from the National Weather Service warns that the rain is far from over, stating, "There's still a lot of rain to come." In just two days, some areas of Los Angeles County received rainfall exceeding 10 inches, surpassing the average amount for the entire month of February.

The storm's destructive force was also felt in Northern California, where falling trees claimed the lives of two individuals. As the system stalled over LA and Orange counties, evacuation orders and warnings were issued in several areas in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties. Residents were offered sandbags and sand to help mitigate the storm's impact.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) took a different approach compared to last year's decision to close schools during Tropical Storm Hilary. This time, the schools remained open despite the inclement weather.

Concerningly, the number of flood insurance policies in Los Angeles County does not align with the region's high population. With nearly 10 million residents, only 14,580 flood insurance policies are in effect, leaving many vulnerable to the destructive forces of the storm.

Mudflows have caused significant damage and compelled numerous residents to evacuate their homes, amplifying the life-threatening nature of the ongoing landslides and flooding across Southern California.

As California battles this deadly storm, authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety amidst the ongoing challenges brought forth by this tempestuous weather.