Key Takeaways:
- A powerful winter storm swept across California, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds, leading to debris flows, water rescues, and evacuation orders.
- Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years, with flash flooding and mudslides expected.
- Evacuation orders were issued for areas scorched by January’s wildfires, with Los Angeles County officials delivering about 380 evacuation orders to vulnerable homes.
- The storm has caused power outages, downed trees, and road closures, with multiple atmospheric rivers forecast to make their way through the state.
- The California National Guard is on standby to assist, and local and state officials are gearing up to respond to emergencies.
Introduction to the Storm
A powerful winter storm swept across California on Wednesday, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds that led to debris flows, water rescues, and evacuation orders. The storm, which began to move in late Tuesday evening, intensified on Christmas Eve, with forecasters warning of flash flooding and mudslides. The National Weather Service said that Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years, with some areas expected to receive between 4 and 8 inches of rain. The storm has already caused damage in Northern California, where flash flooding led to water rescues and at least one death.
Evacuation Orders and Emergency Declarations
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta, enabling them to activate emergency authorities and pre-position resources. Evacuation orders were issued for areas scorched by January’s wildfires, with Los Angeles County officials delivering about 380 evacuation orders to vulnerable homes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urged residents to take the warnings seriously, saying that the accumulative effects of the rain would result in increasingly dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Residents in burn scar areas were advised to evacuate, but many decided to stay, despite the warnings.
Storm Conditions and Damage
The storm brought strong winds, with gusts exceeding 60 mph in Los Angeles County, knocking down trees and power lines. The National Weather Service warned of multiple atmospheric rivers moving across the state, which could worsen conditions. The storm caused power outages, downed trees, and road closures, with multiple roadways closed due to flooding. The California National Guard is on standby to assist, and local and state officials are gearing up to respond to emergencies. The storm has also caused damage in Northern California, where flash flooding led to water rescues and at least one death.
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a man trapped in a drainage tunnel in northwest LA, and San Bernardino County firefighters rescued people trapped in their cars when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood, a mountain resort town. The community has come together to respond to the storm, with neighbors showing up with supplies to help those stranded. The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce president, Janice Quick, said that the region was left with a lot of ground without tree coverage after a 2024 wildfire, making it prone to debris and mud flows.
Northern California Flood Watch
Much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area were under a flood watch and a high wind warning through Friday, with forecasters warning of heavy snow and gusts creating "near white-out conditions" in parts of the Sierra Nevada. The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning would be in effect for the Greater Tahoe Region until Friday morning. More than 125,000 people lost power due to a damaged power pole, and there’s a risk of severe thunderstorms and a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast.
Conclusion and Ongoing Response
The storm is expected to continue through the week, with multiple atmospheric rivers forecast to make their way through the state. The California National Guard is on standby to assist, and local and state officials are gearing up to respond to emergencies. Residents are advised to take the warnings seriously and to stay safe during the storm. The community has come together to respond to the storm, and the state is working to mitigate the effects of the storm and provide assistance to those affected.
