California's Famed Giant Sequoia Destroyed by Heavy Flooding
As the northwest is pummeled by the region's strongest winter storm in a decade, the wild weather has been blamed for the destruction of a beloved and historic sequoia tree.
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Melting snow in higher elevations has combined with heavy rain to flood areas of California and nearby Nevada.
The Pioneer Cabin Tree is the most popular attraction at the Calaveras Big Trees park in California. Rushing floodwater weakened the trees roots, causing it to topple over.
The tree was one of a number of giant sequoias that was turned into a tunnel back in the 1800s. The tree, along with other giant sequoias, has drawn millions of visitors who drive through it each year.
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The sad news was shared on Facebook by Jim Allday, a park volunteer.
“We lost an old friend today," Allday said. "The Pioneer Cabin Tree, or drive-thru tree, succumbed to nature and toppled.”
The tree was thought to be at least 1,000 years old and can live to be 3,000 years old.
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