Edelson

Edelson Photography, San Francisco corporate photographer

650-515-0999

josh@edelsonphotography.com

Edelson Photography, San Francisco corporate photographer

650-515-0999

josh@edelsonphotography.com

FLOODS

It’s powerful and unpredictable. Floodwater can look calm one second and tear a road apart the next. I cover floods the same way I cover any disaster, geared up, watching how fast the water can rise, and with a huge amount of respect for the first responders pulling people out of it. These kinds of catastrophic floods used

to be rare, but as California whipsaws between drought and atmospheric rivers, they’ve been happening more often and are getting harder to control. Floods are one of my favorite things to cover, so I hope my passion for telling these visual stories is apparent through this set of images taken in the flood zone.

TOPSHOT - This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows vehicles driving on a flooded road in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A flooded house is seen partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 09, 2023. - Heavy rain lashed water-logged California Monday, with forecasters warning of floods as a parade of storms that have killed 12 people battered the western United States. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows a man riding his bicycle along a flooded section of the Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A vehicle drives on a flooded road in Sebastopol, California, on January 05, 2023. Excessive rain, heavy snow and landslides are expected to wallop California through Thursday as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
San Diego firefighter Brian Sanford rescues a dog from a flooded home in Merced, California, on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows vehicles driving on a flooded road in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - San Diego firefighters help Humberto Maciel rescue his dog from his flooded home in Merced, California, on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Jay Michael Tucker kayaks through the flooded Surrey Resort as the Russian River flows through it in Guerneville, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
TOPSHOT - Drivers barrel into standing water on Interstate 101 in San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows vehicles driving on a flooded road in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. - A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial view shows homes flooded in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Aerial photography, Bird’s-eye view, Photography, documentary photography by Josh Edelson/AFP
This aerial view shows a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A motorist navigates a flooded roadway in Merced, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10, 2023. A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Residents scramble to retrieve belongings before flood waters rise too high Merced, California, on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Local resident Fidel Osorio rescues a dog from a flooded home in Merced, California, on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial view shows cars driving through a flooded roadway in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows cars through a flooded roadway in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows cars driving through a flooded roadway in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows residents navigating their flooded town in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a damaged pier is split in Capitola, California, on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
San Diego firefighters enjoy a moment after rescuing dogs from a flooded home in Merced, California, on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Highway 101 is closed due to flooding in Gilroy, California, on January 09, 2023. - Heavy rain lashed water-logged California Monday, with forecasters warning of floods as a parade of storms that have killed 12 people battered the western United States. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a damaged pier is split in Capitola, California, on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a damaged pier is split in Capitola, California, on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The pier at Capitola Wharf is seen split in half from Aptos, California on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
People walk along a flooded road near the San Lorenzo River in Felton, California on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - An aerial view of flooded homes in Felton, California on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a "bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A flooded house is seen partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 09, 2023. - Heavy rain lashed water-logged California Monday, with forecasters warning of floods as a parade of storms that have killed 12 people battered the western United States. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a flooded home partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows a flooded home partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 9, 2023. - A massive storm called a bomb cyclone" by meteorologists has arrived and is expected to cause widespread flooding throughout the state. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A damaged Valero gas station creaks in the wind during a massive "bomb cyclone" rain storm in South San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The Golden Gate Bridge is seen through a mix of rain and splashing bay water in Sausalito, California on January 5, 2023. - Damaging winds, excessive rainfall and extremely heavy snow are expected to wallop California and southern Oregon through January 5 as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting the Golden State's governor to declare an emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Pedestrians look at a flooded road in Sebastopol, California, on January 05, 2023. Excessive rain, heavy snow and landslides are expected to wallop California through Thursday as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows vehicles driving along a road flooded with ocean water during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A vehicle drives on a flooded road in Sebastopol, California, on January 5, 2023. - Excessive rain, heavy snow and landslides are expected to wallop California through Thursday as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows a man making his way along a flooded Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - The Golden Gate Bridge is seen through a rainy windshield in San Francisco, California, on January 04, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A flooded house is seen partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 09, 2023. - Heavy rain lashed water-logged California Monday, with forecasters warning of floods as a parade of storms that have killed 12 people battered the western United States. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A trolly car travels down a California street during a rainstorm in San Francisco, California, on January 04, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows a man riding his bike along a flooded Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, a man running along a flooded Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A sign is seen floating in a marsh at the flooded Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows a vehicle drives along a road flooded with ocean water during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A building is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A section of the Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path is seen covered in ocean water during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California on Jananury 3, 2022. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
An aerial picture taken on January 3, 2022, shows vehicles driving along a road flooded with ocean water during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A building is seen submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway as an emergency measure in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Reed Freidinger walks with his dog along a flooded Sausalito/Mill Valley bike path during the "King Tide" in Mill Valley, California on Jananury 3, 2022. - "King Tides" occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align in orbit to produce unusually high water levels and can cause local tidal flooding. Over time, sea level rise is raising the height of tidal systems. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A swing set sways from rushing water at Riverbend Park as the Oroville Dam releases water down the spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A swing is seen partially submerged in flowing water at Riverbend Park in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial view shows submerged trucks in flowing water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. - Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - The Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. - Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The Oroville Dam spillway releases 100,000 cubic feet of water per second down the main spillway in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / JOSH EDELSON (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A damaged road is seen atop the Oroville Dam in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Riverbend Park is seen under flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. - Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A home is seen marooned as the surrounding property is submerged in flood water in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
An orchard is turned to swamp land as flood waters rise near Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Crews work on a damaged section of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017. - Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A destroyed road is seen in a damaged section of the Oroville Dam in Oroville, California on February 13, 2017.Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Floodwaters from the overflowing Salinas River surround a home in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Storm-weary California is bracing for new round of drenching rains, heavy snowfall and dangerous winds as the death toll from a series of atmospheric rivers reached 19 people. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Floodwaters from the overflowing Salinas River surround a home in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Storm-weary California is bracing for new round of drenching rains, heavy snowfall and dangerous winds as the death toll from a series of atmospheric rivers reached 19 people. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Firefighters survey a property flooded by the overflowing Salinas River in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Storm-weary California is bracing for new round of drenching rains, heavy snowfall and dangerous winds as the death toll from a series of atmospheric rivers reached 19 people. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Davis Road is flooded with water from the overflowing Salinas River during rain storms in Salinas, California, US, on Friday. Jan. 13, 2023. California faces more drenching rain as a historic drought has given way to flooding that's killed at least 17 people, closed highways and sent residents fleeing for their lives. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A flooded home beside the Salinas River during rain storms in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. California faces more drenching rain as a historic drought has given way to flooding that's killed at least 17 people, closed highways and sent residents fleeing for their lives. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Floodwaters from the overflowing Salinas River surround a property in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. Storm-weary California is bracing for new round of drenching rains, heavy snowfall and dangerous winds as the death toll from a series of atmospheric rivers reached 19 people. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A woman walks along a flooded road in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. In California, rainwater drained from saturated landscapes even as a new system moved into northern areas of the state and more heavy snow fell in the Sierra Nevada. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A rainbow behind a water tower during rain storms in Salinas, California, US, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023. California faces more drenching rain as a historic drought has given way to flooding that's killed at least 17 people, closed highways and sent residents fleeing for their lives. Photographer: Josh Edelson/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Evacuees Steve Allen (R) and Alicia Castro (L) lay on a cot at the Placer County Fairgrounds evacuation center in Roseville, California on February 13, 2017. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation orders in northern California Monday after a threat of catastrophic failure at the United States' tallest dam. Officials said the threat had subsided for the moment as water levels at the Oroville Dam, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Sacramento, have eased. But people were still being told to stay out of the area. / AFP / Josh Edelson (Photo credit should read JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Hail stones cover a road in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. In California, rainwater continued to drain from saturated landscapes even as a new system moved into northern areas of the state and more heavy snow fell in the Sierra Nevada. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Jay Michael Tucker kayaks through the flooded Surrey Resort as the Russian River flows through it in Guerneville, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A double rainbow arcs over a palm tree in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. In California, rainwater continued to drain from saturated landscapes even as a new system moved into northern areas of the state and more heavy snow fell in the Sierra Nevada. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Part of a rainbow is seen behind animals in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. In California, rainwater continued to drain from saturated landscapes even as a new system moved into northern areas of the state and more heavy snow fell in the Sierra Nevada. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Bruce MacDonell carries his neighbor, Annie Lovell, through a flooded area of Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above it's banks. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Owner Alex Yarosheno holds onto a tree as the Russian River flows through Surrey Resort in Guerneville, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Jay Michael Tucker kayaks through the flooded Surrey Resort as the Russian River flows through it in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Jay Michael Tucker kayaks through the flooded Surrey Resort as the Russian River flows through it in Guerneville, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Jay Michael Tucker kayaks through the flooded Surrey Resort as the Russian River flows through it in Guerneville, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Streets and low-lying areas flooded as the Russian River swelled above its banks Friday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in the wine country north of San Francisco reached its highest level in 25 years Wednesday night and Sonoma County officials say it won't return to its banks until late Thursday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
River Road, center, is flooded by the Russian River, right, in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in wine country north of San Francisco reached about 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, its highest level in 25 years. Floodwaters cut off the towns of Guerneville and Monte Rio and inundated several other communities. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A truck sits submerged in floodwaters in Forestville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River flood Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Sonoma County officials said they expected the communities of Guerneville and Monte Rio to be accessible by car Friday. The two-day storm rendered the towns reachable only by boat on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The river in the wine country north of San Francisco reached its highest level in 25 years Wednesday night and Sonoma County officials say it won't return to its banks until late Thursday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The river in the wine country north of San Francisco reached its highest level in 25 years Wednesday night and Sonoma County officials say it won't return to its banks until late Thursday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A truck sits submerged in floodwaters in Forestville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The river in the wine country north of San Francisco reached its highest level in 25 years Wednesday night and Sonoma County officials say it won't return to its banks until late Thursday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A national guard truck drives down a flooded road in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in wine country north of San Francisco reached about 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, its highest level in 25 years. Floodwaters cut off the towns of Guerneville and Monte Rio and inundated several other communities. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
People take their boats into the water on the flooded River Road in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Floodwaters cut off the towns of Guerneville and Monte Rio and inundated several other communities. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson, File)
Residents prepare to row through flood waters in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in Sonoma County crested at more than 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, flooding about 2,000 buildings (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
The top of a garage is barely visible on a flooded home in in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Sonoma County officials said they expected the communities of Guerneville and Monte Rio to be accessible by car Friday. The two-day storm rendered the towns reachable only by boat on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood and storm documentary photography by Josh Edelson, AFP photojournalist
A man rows with his dog down a flooded street in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in Sonoma County crested at more than 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, flooding about 2,000 buildings (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Submerged vehicles are seen in front of flooded vacation homes in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in Sonoma County crested at more than 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, flooding about 2,000 buildings (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A car sits submerged in flood waters in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The two-day storm rendered the towns reachable only by boat on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A flooded home is seen in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared an emergency for five northern counties after a heavy storm led to the worst flooding in 20 years in one county and the death of a man in another. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
People kayak down Mill Street in flood waters from the overflowing Russian River in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in Sonoma County crested at more than 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, flooding about 2,000 buildings. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Farmhand Deli co-owner Jason Flint surveys the damage inside his restaurant along River Road as flood waters from the Russian River continue to recede in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Authorities have reopened the roads into two towns cut off for days by a rain-swollen river and residents and work crews have started cleaning up the muck that flooding left behind. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The river in the wine country north of San Francisco reached its highest level in 25 years Wednesday night and Sonoma County officials say it won't return to its banks until late Thursday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A truck sits submerged in floodwaters in Forestville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Flood waters from the Russian River partially submerge properties in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson, File)
True Value hardware store manager Chris Reid stands in an aisle of damaged goods while surveying his store along River Road as flood waters from the Russian River continue to recede in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March, 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A flooded home is seen in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. Sonoma County officials said they expected the communities of Guerneville and Monte Rio to be accessible by car Friday. The two-day storm rendered the towns reachable only by boat on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A submerged car is seen in flood waters from the overflowing Russian River in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. The Russian River in Sonoma County crested at more than 46 feet (14 meters) Wednesday night, flooding about 2,000 buildings. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A man rows down a flooded street in the town of Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A truck sits submerged in floodwaters in Forestville, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Dustin Pasquin-Theders reacts while helping to clean out his neighbor's home in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Authorities in Northern California have reopened the roads into two towns cut off for days by a rain-swollen river and residents and work crews have started cleaning up the muck that flooding left behind. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Katie Horton reacts while cleaning out her flooded home in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Evacuation orders were lifted and all roads into Guerneville and neighboring Monte Rio were opened Friday, almost three days after being cut off by the rain-swollen Russian River. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Resident Dustin Pasquin-Theders reaches for an arrow that marks the waterline on a flooded home in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Evacuation orders were lifted and all roads into Guerneville and neighboring Monte Rio were opened Friday, almost three days after being cut off by the rain-swollen Russian River. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
TOPSHOT - A vehicle turns around on a flooded road in Sebastopol, California, on January 05, 2023. Excessive rain, heavy snow and landslides are expected to wallop California through Thursday as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Dustin Pasquin-Theders, foreground, reacts while helping to clean out his neighbor's home in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Authorities in Northern California have reopened the roads into two towns cut off for days by a rain-swollen river and residents and work crews have started cleaning up the muck that flooding left behind. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Guerneville resident Pete Swinney, right, hugs shop owner Bonnie Plevney as they talk about her ruined shop Bonnie Sew Good in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. Authorities have reopened the roads into two towns cut off for days by a rain-swollen river and residents and work crews have started cleaning up the muck that flooding left behind. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Traffic cones and mud fill the inside of a car that was underwater as flood waters from the Russian River continue to recede in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Michael McGuinn helps clean up a store called Bonnie Sew Good as flood waters from the Russian River continue to recede in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March, 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
Mick McGuinn, right, and his son Michael McGuinn help clean up Mick's girlfriend's store Bonnie Sew Good as flood waters from the Russian River continue to recede in Guerneville, Calif., on Friday, March, 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)
A damaged Valero gas station creaks in the wind during a massive "bomb cyclone" rain storm in South San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
A damaged Valero gas station creaks in the wind during a massive "bomb cyclone" rain storm in South San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - A vehicle drives on a flooded road in Sebastopol, California, on January 5, 2023. Excessive rain, heavy snow and landslides are expected to wallop California through Thursday as a series of winter storms rip across the western US coast, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial photograph shows homes and cars engulfed by floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial photograp shows cars and homes engulfed by floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial photograph shows a car and market shop in floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial photograph shows vehicles submerged in floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial photograph shows train cars, vehicles and homes in floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial photograph shows vehicles and homes in floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - This aerial photograp shows vehicles and homes engulfed by floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Naomi Rodriguez treads through flood waters to reach her home in the Pajaro area of Watsonville, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
This aerial photograph shows two individuals standing in a small patch of road emerging from floodwaters in Pajaro, California on Saturday, March 11, 2023. - Residents were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night after an atmospheric river surge broke the the Pajaro Levee and sent flood waters flowing into the community. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP) (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

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