California is bracing for dangerous flooding over the next few days due to a winter storm system intensifying across the state. With two fatalities already confirmed and over 9,400 residents having been placed under evacuation orders, the weather presents a major safety risk for California residents.

The National Weather Service's David Lawrence said that the expected flash flooding is a particular concern in the state's central coast and Sierra Nevada foothills. To tackle the weather, the California Department of Transportation has reportedly allocated 4,000 workers to 12-hour shifts, taking measures such as removing downed trees and clearing drainage culverts to minimize flooding. The California National Guard has also deployed 36 high water vehicles to carry out rescues.

Rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are expected, while parts of the Sierra Nevada could see as much as 8 feet of snow. Creeks and streams in the Sierra Nevada foothills are especially at risk