California storms updates: Woman found dead in submerged in car

A series of deadly and destructive storms has led to flooding and power outages.

Last Updated: January 11, 2023, 5:34 PM EST

Dangerously stormy weather continues to wallop California, drenching the drought-stricken state with a sudden and near constant onslaught of rain and snow, leaving a trail of destruction.

The National Weather Service has warned of a "relentless parade of atmospheric rivers" in the West Coast over the coming week. President Joe Biden has issued an emergency declaration for California, while local authorities have ordered thousands of residents to evacuate.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing. All times Eastern.
Jan 11, 2023, 5:34 PM EST

Officials resume search for missing 5-year-old

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office said it has continued its search for 5-year-old Kyle Doan who was swept away by floodwaters on Jan. 9.

A photo released by police of Kyle Doan, 5, who is missing after he was swept away by floodwaters near San Miguel, Calif.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office

About 80 personnel were involved with Wednesday's search and were aided by many resources including sonar equipment and K9 units from other police departments.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office resumed search operations on Jan. 11, 2023, for missing 5-year-old Kyle Doan who was swept away by floodwaters on Jan. 9.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office

Kyle is described as 4 feet tall, 52 pounds with short dirty blond hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket with a red liner, blue jeans, blue and gray Nike tennis shoes.

Jan 11, 2023, 4:21 PM EST

Woman found dead in submerged car

The Sonoma County Sheriff's office announced that a woman was found dead Wednesday morning inside a submerged car.

First responders found Daphne Fontino, 43, inside the vehicle that was submerged in eight to 10 feet of water approximately 100 yards from the road in Forestville, according to the sheriff's office.

Rescue personnel search for a car and driver stuck in flood waters in Forestville, Calif. Jan. 11, 2023.
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

The office received a 911 call the previous day that a car was stuck in flood waters near Trenton-Healdsburg Road. The dispatch tried to call back but got no response, according to the sheriff's office.

Rescue personnel search for a car and driver stuck in flood waters in Forestville, Calif. Jan. 11, 2023.
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

Several deputies searched the area, including in a helicopter.

"They searched until sunset when the search became too dangerous to continue in the dark," the sheriff's office said.

Jan 11, 2023, 2:49 PM EST

Images show storm devastation in California

As storms continue to pound California, images show first responders conducting rescues as extreme weather leaves fallen trees and flooding throughout the state.

This aerial view shows rescue crews assisting stranded residents in a flooded neighborhood, Jan. 10, 2023, in Merced, Calif.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

A flooded house is seen partially underwater in Gilroy, Calif, Jan. 09, 2023.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

In an aerial view, vehicles drive along a flooded street close to the beach, Jan. 10, 2022 in Aptos, Calif.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

A drone view of residents looking a tree that fell during a winter storm with high winds, Jan. 8, 2023, Sacramento, Calif.
Fred Greaves/Reuters

-ABC News' Moe Zoyari

Jan 11, 2023, 2:39 PM EST

Costs of natural gas skyrocket in California due to storms, supply issues

Due to recent storms, inventory and supply issues, the cost of natural gas in California is skyrocketing.

"An unprecedented cold snap across the nation in part has caused natural gas market prices in the West to more than double between December and January – much higher than expected," utility provider SoCal Gas said in an email to customers.

"SoCalGas residential customers can expect the typical January bill likely to be more than double the typical bill last January, assuming the same amount of natural gas is used," it added.

-ABC News's David Herndon

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