Big Sur residents told to stock up on essentials ahead of storm

California residents near Big Sur have been told to stock up on enough supplies to last them at least two weeks ahead of a new storm.

Intense flooding and snow is expected in the state, which is still recovering from extreme weather that left mountain communities under several feet of snow.

Experts say the combination of rain and snowmelt could lead to extreme flooding.

California has already had one of its wettest winters on record.

The state has been hit with back-to-back storms in recent weeks.

Nine atmospheric rivers - which occur when water evaporates into the air and is carried along by the wind, forming long currents that the sky that can bring severe rains and mountain snow - came through the state in early January.

Up to 7ft (2.1m) of snowfall earlier this month left residents in the San Bernardino Mountains stranded.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff said the department has rescued 100 people in the region so far, but at least one person has died.

Volunteer helicopters are bringing in supplies for those still trapped in the mountains without enough food and water.

Northern and central California are expected to bear the brunt of this storm though, with 16 million people under flood watches as of Wednesday.

Incoming rain could rapidly melt existing snow putting lower elevation areas at high risk of flooding.

Coastal areas could see as much as 5in (12.7cm) of rain.

Monterey County is offering residents sandbags to protect their property ahead of the storm. Earlier this year storms caused landslides near Big Sur, closing off a major highway and cutting residents off from supplies.

Meanwhile, in high elevation areas residents have been told to try to clear their roofs of snow as rainfall could weigh down existing snow leading to potential roof cave-ins.

Central parts of the state with elevation over 8,000ft (2,438m) - including Yosemite National Park - could expect to get 6ft (1.8m) of snow.

Yosemite National Park, closed from the last winter storm, said it will remain closed till 12 March - possibly longer.