Storm Aftermath

Waterlogged Californians are struggling to recover from storms that triggered mudslides and tornadoes, washed away roads and runways, and left at least nine dead.

Among the victims was a Nevada woman caught in an avalanche while cross-country skiing near Lake Tahoe and a 16-year-old Orange County girl working on the computer when a mudslide crashed through her home´s wall.

In Ventura County, officials closed the Santa Paula airport today. More than 155 feet of runway has collapsed into the rushing Santa Clara River. Chunks of concrete continue to crumble into the water. The president of the Santa Paula Airport Association estimates damage in the millions of dollars. Forecasters say another strong system could hurl severe winds and drop an additional inch or more on Southern California overnight.

Despite brief glimpses of sun, a flash flood watch remains in effect across much of Southern California. A tornado warning has been issued for coastal areas. A waterspout was briefly sighted off the coast.