Key Takeaways
- California is bracing for more severe holiday weather, with possible mudslides and debris flows in parts of the state.
- A flood watch is in effect through Friday along the California coast, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected.
- Two deaths in the state may be related to the severe weather, and evacuation warnings have been issued for areas scorched by January wildfires.
- The storms are the result of multiple atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics.
- Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties, allowing state assistance for the storm response.
Introduction to the Severe Weather
The state of California is facing more severe holiday weather, with parts of the state bracing for possible additional mudslides and debris flows. A powerful winter storm that swept across Southern California has tapered off, but another storm system is on the horizon for Christmas Day, bringing showers and possible thunderstorms. The rain from the previous storm has already caused significant damage, with two deaths in the state potentially related to the severe weather. Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for areas that were previously scorched by January wildfires, as heavy rains and gusty winds have brought mudslides and debris flows.
Flood Watches and Warnings
A flood watch is in effect through Friday along the California coast, from the Oregon border to Los Angeles and in central California. According to CBS News weather producer Elie Morrison, "additional on-and-off heavy downpours moving onto the California coast through Friday" could result in an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain. This has led to concerns about flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas that were previously affected by wildfires. Many flood areas are in burn scar zones, which were stripped of vegetation by fire and are less able to absorb water. As a result, evacuation warnings have been issued for areas such as Lytle Creek and Wrightwood, with residents advised to be prepared to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.
Rescue Efforts and Damage
Firefighters have been working to rescue people trapped in cars and homes, with several successful rescues reported. In San Bernardino County, firefighters rescued people trapped in cars when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood, a resort town in the San Gabriel Mountains. The area was under a shelter-in-place order, and some houses were inundated by flood waters. The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce president, Janice Quick, described the scene as "unlike anything I’ve seen before," with heavy rain and mudflows causing significant damage. The area was ravaged by the Bridge Fire in 2024, leaving it vulnerable to mudslides and debris flows.
Weather Forecast and Road Closures
The National Weather Service’s San Francisco office has issued wind and flood advisories for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. The system is expected to bring another round of strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms to the area through Thursday morning, with conditions likely to remain unsettled through Friday. Several roads, including a part of Interstate 5 near the Burbank Airport, have been closed due to flooding. Crews are working to clear the roads, but the heavy rain and snow have made travel treacherous. Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches, with even more in the mountains.
State Response and Emergency Declarations
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties, allowing state assistance for the storm response. The state has deployed emergency resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard is on standby. The storms are the result of multiple atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics, making them a significant threat to the state. The California Highway Patrol has reported a seemingly weather-related crash south of Sacramento, in which a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died. The deputy, James Caravallo, was apparently traveling at an unsafe speed and lost control on a wet road, crashing into a power pole.
Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts
In conclusion, the state of California is facing severe holiday weather, with possible mudslides and debris flows in parts of the state. The storms are the result of multiple atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics, and the state has declared a state of emergency in six counties. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings, and evacuation warnings have been issued for areas previously scorched by wildfires. The state is working to respond to the storm, with emergency resources and first responders deployed to affected areas. As the situation continues to unfold, residents are advised to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities.