LOS ANGELES — The atmospheric river storms that pummeled California for weeks inflicted "extensive" damage to as many as 40 of the state's 58 counties, and total repairs could reach as much as $1 billion, according to authorities.
The damage included more than 500 landslides, piles of dirt and rocks blocking roads and power outages due to fallen trees.
The estimated cost is likely to change as teams of local, state and federal officials on Saturday began damage assessment that is expected to continue for several weeks, according to Brian Ferguson, a spokesperson for the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.
