Key Takeaways
- A powerful Christmas week storm is bringing heavy rain to Southern California, increasing the risk of mudslides and flash flooding.
- The storm is expected to dump several inches of rain over the next few days, with significant rain forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday.
- Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued in some areas, and thousands of people are affected by power outages.
- The storm has also led to a Tornado Warning being issued for a small portion of east-central Los Angeles County.
- California is working to capture as much rain as possible to supplement its future water supply, with reservoirs across the state still having room for the incoming rain.
Introduction to the Storm
A powerful Christmas week storm is currently affecting Southern California, bringing heavy rain to the region and increasing the risk of mudslides and flash flooding. The storm is expected to dump several inches of rain over the next few days, with significant rain forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday. This has put at-risk communities on alert, with evacuation warnings and orders being issued in some areas. The storm has also led to power outages, with thousands of people affected, and a Tornado Warning being issued for a small portion of east-central Los Angeles County.
Impact of the Storm
The storm has already started to have a significant impact on the region, with thousands of people affected by power outages. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has reported numerous power outages in various parts of its service area, with the largest outages being in the San Fernando Valley and the West L.A. area. Southern California Edison is also reporting outages in Los Angeles and Orange County, although fewer customers appear to be affected. Crews are working to restore service, but the outages are still causing disruptions to daily life.
Capturing Rain for Future Water Supply
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, California is working to capture as much rain as possible to supplement its future water supply. The winter season is a critical time of year for collecting and storing water, and the state’s reservoirs still have room for the incoming rain. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office has announced that last month’s storms generated enough water to supply tens of thousands of households in Los Angeles alone. Lake Oroville’s storage is currently at 54% capacity, and the state is working to capture as much of the storm’s rainfall as possible to help replenish its water supplies.
Historical Context of Christmas Rain
The storm has also raised questions about the historical context of Christmas rain in Southern California. ABC7 Meteorologist Dallas Raines has looked into the issue and found that it has only rained 46 times on Christmas Day since 1892. This means that rain on Christmas is relatively rare, with the region experiencing dry weather on the holiday about 66% of the time. The most recent storm to affect the region on Christmas was in 2017, when it rained almost one inch on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. While the region has never experienced a white Christmas, the storm has the potential to deliver one of the wettest holidays in recent memory.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the powerful Christmas week storm is having a significant impact on Southern California, with heavy rain, power outages, and a Tornado Warning all affecting the region. While the storm poses challenges, the state is working to capture as much rain as possible to supplement its future water supply. As the storm continues to move through the region, residents are advised to stay alert and follow evacuation warnings and orders. The region’s history of dry weather on Christmas makes this storm all the more notable, and it has the potential to deliver one of the wettest holidays in recent memory.
