A powerful winter storm, driven by an intense atmospheric river, is sweeping across California, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in multiple counties. Southern California is bracing for what could be its wettest Christmas in years, with forecasts predicting up to eight inches of rain and significant flooding risks.
State of Emergency and Evacuation Warnings
Governor Newsom activated emergency authorities for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties. The declaration aims to preposition resources ahead of the severe weather. Evacuation warnings are in effect for communities near recent wildfire burn scars, where the risk of devastating mudslides and debris flows is highest.
In Los Angeles County, officials went door-to-door to approximately 380 vulnerable homes, ordering residents to leave. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued a similar warning for the mountain town of Wrightwood, where video posted by fire officials showed debris and mud flowing down roads. Crews worked to evacuate some homes in the area.
Widespread Impacts and Hazardous Conditions
The storm's effects are being felt across the state. Coastal areas like Malibu are under flood warnings, with Santa Barbara and Ventura counties also preparing for potential inundation. In Northern California, the Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay Area are under flood watches and high wind warnings.
Travel is severely disrupted. The Sierra Nevada faces near white-out snow conditions and a considerable avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe, making mountain passes nearly impossible to traverse. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles airports reported minor flight delays, with conditions expected to worsen during the busy holiday travel period.
Emergency services have already been in action. The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a man trapped in a drainage tunnel, while in Monterey, over 5,000 people lost power due to a damaged pole.
Record Rainfall and Community Response
National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford highlighted the severity, noting Southern California typically receives half an inch to an inch of rain in late December. This week, many areas could see 4 to 8 inches, with even higher totals in the mountains. Wind gusts on the central coast could reach 60 to 80 mph.
Local authorities are taking proactive measures. Los Angeles County has installed K-rail barriers to catch debris from burned areas and is providing free sandbags to residents. Individuals like 84-year-old Altadena resident James Dangerfield, who filled sandbags with his family, are preparing to shelter in place despite flash flood warnings.
The state has deployed emergency resources and first responders to several counties, with the California National Guard remaining on standby as the series of atmospheric rivers continues to impact the region.
