Although the severe storms that pummeled California in recent weeks appear to be over, the damage caused by the hostile weather will likely remain for quite some time, authorities say.
As many as 40 of the state's 58 counties -- which have experienced more than 500 landslides as a result of the storms -- are still littered with mounds of dirt, trees, power poles and boulders on roadways, collapsed bridges and disabled vehicles.
The estimated cost to return California to its former state: $1 billion, according to Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. That cost is expected to grow even larger as crews continue damage assessment, which could take several weeks, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"The state and its partners are working quickly to initiate recovery efforts and help Californians return home as soon as it is safe to do so," the office said in a statement. "Work is underway to remove hazardous waste and clear debris and there are teams on the ground conducting damage assessments documenting the extent of the losses so that the state can maximize its requests for federal aid."
At least 20 people died during the storms, which began before Christmas and continued through the end of last week.
Among the hardest hit counties were Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz, Ferguson says. In Sacramento County alone, repairs are expected to cost upwards of $123 million, according to spokesperson Samantha Mott.
President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration on January 14, ordering federal aid for recovery efforts in impacted communities across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom has also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level and proclaimed a state of emergency statewide.
Impacted residents are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property, businesses, and vehicles before applying for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The National Weather Service is forecasting for extended dry weather after another storm moves out Wednesday. Potentially heavy rain and snow could impact communities already recovering from significant flooding. Later in the week, a substantial dry period will blanket most of the state and likely continue into all of next week.
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