Key Takeaways:
- A winter storm brought heavy rain and mudslides to Southern California, causing damage and flooding in several areas, including Wrightwood, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades.
- The storm prompted a declaration of emergency from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and led to the evacuation of several areas, including those near recent burn scars.
- The storm caused three deaths and multiple rescues, including a woman who was swept nine miles down San José Creek.
- The rain also led to a sewage spill and hazardous conditions at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
- Despite the storm, many people still enjoyed their Christmas celebrations, including a visit to Disneyland.
Introduction to the Storm
The winter storm that hit Southern California on Christmas Eve was described by Misty Cheng as the "nightmare before Christmas." Cheng’s home in Wrightwood was severely damaged by a mudslide that brought tons of water, mud, and rock into her house. The storm was particularly severe in mountain areas, with ten inches of rain falling in some areas, including the Wrightwood area below the burn scar of the Bridge fire. The heavy rain and mudslides caused significant damage and flooding in several areas, including Malibu, Topanga State Park, and Pacific Palisades.
The Impact on Residents
Cheng’s experience was not unique, as many residents in the affected areas suffered significant damage to their homes and property. The storm prompted a declaration of emergency from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, and evacuation orders were issued for several areas, including those near recent burn scars. The evacuation orders were extended through Friday at 1 p.m. due to the continued risk of flooding and mudslides. Residents were advised to stay safe and be extremely careful on the roads, and to follow official guidance and sign up for emergency alerts.
The Storm’s Fury
The storm was intense, with heavy thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour. The National Weather Service reported that Doppler Radar had indicated some weak rotation with the storm activity, and a brief, weak tornado could not be ruled out. The storm dumped 2 to 4 inches of rain across the region, with some areas receiving 4 to 8 inches and 10 inches in foothills and mountains. The L.A. Fire Department deployed teams to three river-rescue incidents, and the L.A. Police Department responded to over 100 traffic accidents.
Rescues and Fatalities
The storm caused three deaths, including a 64-year-old San Diego man who died after a tree fell on him, a woman in her 70s who was knocked off a rock and killed by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park, and a person who died in rising waters in Redding. Firefighters rescued a woman who was swept nine miles down San José Creek, and the L.A. County Fire Department reported several other rescues. The storm also led to a sewage spill of about 10,000 gallons, which created hazardous conditions at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro.
Christmas Celebrations
Despite the storm, many people still enjoyed their Christmas celebrations. Families visiting Disneyland on Christmas Day said that the rain would not have stopped them, and they enjoyed dry weather for at least part of the day. Araceli Lima, an Inglewood resident, said that her family was creating a new tradition to visit Downtown Disney on Christmas Day, and that the rain would not have deterred them. "In Los Angeles, we need the rain," she said.
Aftermath and Warning
The storm is expected to subside by Saturday, with sunny and cool weather forecast for the weekend. However, the National Weather Service warned that the lighter rain on Friday still poses risks because the ground is already saturated throughout much of the Southland. Mayor Bass urged all Angelenos to stay safe and be extremely careful on the roads, and to follow official guidance and sign up for emergency alerts. The weather service also warned that those living in areas most affected should remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm and avoid windows, and to watch for falling debris and tree limbs.