Key Takeaways:
- The Gamboa family and many others in Wrightwood, California, have been displaced from their homes due to severe mud and debris flows caused by an atmospheric river storm.
- The storm has caused widespread damage, including knocking over trees, causing car crashes, and knocking out power for thousands across the state.
- The governor has declared emergencies in several counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Shasta.
- The storm has had a devastating impact on the community of Wrightwood, where terrain is vulnerable to heavy downpours due to a recent wildfire.
- Residents are struggling to access their homes and are in need of assistance to clean up and repair the damage.
Introduction to the Storm
The recent atmospheric river storm that hit Southern California has left a trail of destruction in its wake, with the community of Wrightwood being one of the hardest hit areas. The storm brought heavy rainfall, causing mud and debris flows that have blocked roads and displaced families from their homes. The Gamboa family, who lives in Wrightwood, was forced to evacuate their home as the hills around them dissolved into a river of mud and debris. They are currently staying with neighbors and have no idea what the condition of the inside of their home is or how they will access it.
Assessing the Damage
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the storm has had a devastating impact on the community. More than 10 inches of rain fell in parts of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County during a 48-hour period, causing widespread flooding and mudslides. In the San Gabriel Valley, crews rescued a woman who was swept away in the San Jose Creek, and in the Pacoima Wash, a person was reported to be in the fast-moving waters, but was not found. The storm has also knocked over trees, caused car crashes, and knocked out power for thousands across the state.
Impact on Wrightwood
The community of Wrightwood has been particularly hard hit by the storm, with many residents struggling to access their homes. The terrain in the area is vulnerable to heavy downpours due to the 56,000-acre Bridge fire that burned in the area last year. The fire left the soil bare and unable to absorb the heavy rainfall, leading to the devastating mud and debris flows. Residents like Robert Gamboa and Misty Cheng are struggling to come to terms with the damage to their homes and are in need of assistance to clean up and repair the damage. Cheng’s home has been filled with mud, and she is waiting to dig out her home to find out if it’s even habitable.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
The storm has also caused significant damage to roads in and around Wrightwood, with several roads closed due to emergency work or weather conditions. The Angeles Crest Highway, State Road 173, and State Road 39 are all closed, and Big Pines Highway is closed due to asphalt being washed away. The California Highway Patrol has reported that hundreds of vehicles are getting stuck trying to pass large boulders in the roadway, and state traffic officials are asking drivers to avoid closed and flooded roads. Despite this, some drivers are still attempting to drive through the closed roads, requiring San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies to assist.
Community Response
The community is coming together to support those affected by the storm, with many residents starting GoFundMe pages to help cover the costs of cleanup and repair. The Gamboa family has started a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of digging out their home and repairing the damage. Misty Cheng has also started a GoFundMe page to help fix the damage to her home or move on if it cannot be salvaged. The community is also coming together to provide support and assistance to those in need, with many residents offering shelter and supplies to those who have been displaced.
Conclusion
The recent atmospheric river storm has had a devastating impact on the community of Wrightwood, causing widespread damage and displacement. The community is coming together to support those affected, and residents are in need of assistance to clean up and repair the damage. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the storm has had a significant impact on the community. As the community begins to recover and rebuild, it is essential that residents receive the support and assistance they need to get back on their feet.
