A powerful winter storm brought heavy rains and gusty winds to California on Wednesday, triggering debris flows, water rescues, and evacuation orders across the state.
Storm Impacts Across California
Forecasters predict Southern California may experience its wettest Christmas in years, with warnings of flash flooding and mudslides. Areas previously scorched by January’s wildfires are particularly vulnerable and were placed under evacuation orders. Los Angeles County officials delivered approximately 380 evacuation notices to at-risk homes on Tuesday.
Early Wednesday, the L.A. Fire Department rescued a man from a drainage tunnel in northwest Los Angeles that led to a river. He was evaluated for any injuries. Several roadways throughout the region were closed due to flooding.
The storm, fueled by atmospheric rivers – long bands of water vapor – intensified on Christmas Eve and is expected to impact travel plans for millions. These atmospheric rivers transport water vapor from the tropics, releasing it as rain or snow along the California coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Wind gusts in Los Angeles County exceeded 60 mph, downing trees and power lines. National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen urged residents to take warnings seriously, stating the cumulative rainfall will create “increasingly dangerous and life-threatening conditions.”
Localized Impacts and Evacuations
Residents in burn scar areas expressed concern. Claire Hamano of Malibu stated her biggest fear was being unable to evacuate if landslides blocked Pacific Coast Highway, and was preparing by filling her car with sandbags.
Typically, Southern California receives between half an inch and one inch of rain this time of year, but current forecasts predict 4 to 8 inches in many areas, with potentially more in the mountains. Wind gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph along the central coast.
Evacuation orders were issued for portions of Los Angeles and Orange counties in areas affected by recent wildfires. Despite the warnings, some residents in burn scar areas chose to remain in their homes, prompting renewed pleas from Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell and L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna to reconsider, emphasizing the “real and imminent” threat.
Los Angeles County deployed K-rails to contain debris flows and made sandbags available to residents, particularly in areas like Altadena, which was impacted by the Eaton Fire last January.
Brinda Kimpton, a resident whose home survived the Eaton Fire, expressed nervousness but initially decided to stay, noting that “the mud debris came down, and it’s breached the K-rails,” adding, “it’s been a hell of a year.”
Northern California and Mountain Communities Affected
The storm’s impact extended to Northern California, where flash flooding caused water rescues and at least one death. A flood watch and high wind warning were in effect for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area through Friday.
In the mountain community of Wrightwood, San Bernardino County firefighters rescued individuals trapped in their cars by mud and debris flows. Highway 2 leading into Wrightwood was washed out. Dillan Brown, stranded with his family, received assistance from neighbors who provided essential supplies after roads became impassable.
More than 125,000 people lost power Wednesday morning due to a damaged power pole, according to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. A shelter-in-place order was issued for Wrightwood.
Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson declared a local state of emergency on Monday to prepare for the storm’s arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an atmospheric river?
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of water vapor that forms over an ocean and transports moisture to the coast, often resulting in heavy rainfall or snowfall, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Which counties are under a state of emergency?
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for L.A., Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties.
What are officials doing to prepare?
Local and state officials are deploying resources and first responders, and the California National Guard is on standby to assist with emergency response efforts.
As the storm system moves through California, conditions could worsen, particularly with multiple atmospheric rivers forecast to impact the state during a peak travel period.
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