Schwarzenegger to declare state of emergency in California

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will declare a state of emergency due to heavy rain and snow that have hit the state and later a rare tornado warning was issued in the state.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Thursday that he will declare a state of emergency for California after severe storms have plagued the state, according to News Core. The actor-turned-politician stated his decision at a recent press conference in Washington with members of California’s Congressional Delegation. However, Attorney General Jerry Brown is the acting Governor as Schwarzenegger finishes his visit to Washington, therefore, Brown announced the declaration, notes KESQ. The state of emergency has been proclaimed in several counties including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange and Riverside, reports the Desert Sun. In the last week, the California region has been hit by four storms, all of which have caused heavy rain, mudslides, flash flooding and snow, which has implemented massive evacuations and several deaths. AFP reports that a rare tornado warning was issued for the state on Tuesday as another storm hit the Western state and also caused many homes to be without power. UPDATE #1: A tornado near the Arizona-California border has damaged high-voltage poles and fell on top of a car with a person in it, according to the Star Tribune. UPDATE #2: Flash flooding has covered most of Death Valley National Park and has caused several highways to be closed because of water and debris, according to Breaking News. UPDATE #3: According to citizen reports, hail is coming down and lightning has knocked out power at a Wal-Mart in Cerritos, which prompted street lights to be knocked out.