California is on high alert after deadly flooding and with forecasts predicting a brutal series of storms driven by an atmospheric river throughout the Christmas week.
One Dead in Northern California Flooding
Authorities in the northern city of Redding reported one fatality on Sunday. A motorist died after becoming trapped in a vehicle that was filling with flood water. Redding's mayor, Mike Littau, confirmed that a 911 call was received from the stranded individual. Police officers entered the water, broke the car's windows, and performed CPR after pulling the victim out, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
"[The] city is very concerned about rain Tuesday to Friday having bigger impacts [than] what we experienced last night," Mayor Littau warned on Facebook, urging residents to use Monday to prepare for further severe weather.
'Pineapple Express' Threatens Holiday Travel
The state is now bracing for a powerful atmospheric river phenomenon, often called a 'Pineapple Express,' which is forecast to drive drenching rains and high winds from north to south this week. Southern California, in particular, could experience its most significant Christmas storm in years.
Forecasters predict heavy rainfall will begin on Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches (10cm to 20cm) expected in coastal areas and a staggering 8 to 12 inches possible in the foothills by Saturday. The intense rainfall raises serious concerns about further flooding, mudslides, and dangerous debris flows, especially in areas scarred by recent wildfires like the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Officials Urge Caution as City Prepares
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has announced a flash flood warning effective from Tuesday. She is urging holiday travellers to exercise extreme caution on the roads. "Angelenos planning to travel to spend time with family and loved ones this holiday week should use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed," Bass stated.
The city is mobilising its response teams, including first responders and public works crews. Additionally, staff from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) are being deployed to provide supplies and hotel vouchers to people living outdoors.
This week's severe weather follows an already exceptionally wet period for the US West Coast. A strong atmospheric river system in December caused deadly flooding, levee breaches, and power outages in Oregon and Washington. Furthermore, a late-November storm dumped 5.5 inches of rain on Los Angeles, marking the city's wettest November in decades.
