Storm in Southern California prompts evacuations, water rescues

On Thursday, two cities in Ventura County, west of Los Angeles, issued evacuation orders for coastal areas due to flooding. A slow-moving storm brought more than four inches of rain to the region beginning Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. More rain was forecast Thursday through Friday as the storm moved east.

How is the storm affecting other parts of Southern California? The U.S. Border Patrol in San Diego on Wednesday warned migrants that the storm and cold fronts increase the risk of injury or death from exposure. The Border Patrol said smuggling organizations operate in the mountains east of the city, where weather conditions change rapidly. Smugglers have abandoned migrants in the mountains in the past, according to the agency, and some migrants have died from exposure.

Dig deeper: Read Addie Offereins and Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew about how the U.S. Senate’s border deal has hit roadblocks.