A severe storm system has brought intense winds, heavy rain, and substantial snowfall to California, with lingering risks of flooding and avalanches. Although the storm is expected to ease on Friday, officials are warning residents of potential flash floods near Los Angeles and avalanche threats in the Sierra Nevada region. According to the National Weather Service, waves could reach up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) along the coast, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Residents in the mountain town of Wrightwood, located about 130 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Los Angeles, are advised to prepare for possible evacuation due to mudslides. The storm, fueled by atmospheric rivers carrying moisture from the tropics, has resulted in the wettest Christmas season in downtown Los Angeles in 54 years. Tragically, at least two deaths have been linked to the adverse weather conditions earlier this week.
The community of Wrightwood, with a population of around 5,000, has been significantly impacted. Roads were reported to be covered with rocks, debris, and thick mud on Thursday, leading to power outages. Local businesses, such as a gas station and a coffee shop operating on generators, have become essential hubs for residents.
“It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who was spending the holiday with her grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo. The family narrowly avoided evacuation when flooding threatened their backyard. They ultimately chose to stay, celebrating the holiday by playing card games with candles and flashlights.
Meanwhile, Davey Schneider undertook a challenging hike of 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile) through floodwaters to rescue his grandfather’s cats. “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider recounted. Thankfully, all the cats survived, albeit a bit shaken.
“It could be a whole lot worse,”
said local resident Arlene Corte, whose house remained intact despite the chaos surrounding her. With more rain anticipated, over 150 firefighters have been deployed to the area, as noted by Shawn Millerick, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. “We’re ready. It’s all hands on deck at this point,” he affirmed.
The storms have also resulted in fatalities. A falling tree claimed the life of a man in San Diego on Wednesday, while a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in a weather-related crash. Coastal areas, including Malibu, remain under a flood watch until Friday afternoon. Wind and flood advisories are in effect for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Typically, Southern California receives between 1.3 and 2.5 centimeters (half an inch to 1 inch) of rain during this season. However, this week many areas are forecasted to experience between 10 and 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches), with even more expected in the mountains. Meteorologist Mike Wofford highlighted that strong winds and heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada are creating “near white-out conditions,” making travel perilous.
In response to the crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties, allowing for the quick deployment of state resources and first responders. The California National Guard is also on standby to assist in recovery efforts.
The combination of severe weather and significant rainfall poses ongoing challenges for the residents and emergency services in California, illustrating the impact of these powerful storms as the holiday season progresses.
