Los Angeles County is bracing for significant impacts from a powerful atmospheric river storm that began Wednesday, bringing widespread flooding, road closures, and evacuation orders. The storm, described as “very dangerous,” is already causing disruptions across the region, with the potential for further hazards through the Christmas holiday.
Storm Impacts and Warnings
The first wave of the storm delivered substantial rainfall Wednesday, with 4 to 8 inches reported in higher terrain areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties. As of noon, Bel Air recorded nearly 2.7 inches, while Pacoima and Canoga Park each saw over 4.5 inches. The San Gabriel Dam reported over 10.6 inches of rain.
This intense rainfall has led to flooding on roadways, including the northbound Golden State (5) Freeway in Sun Valley and the westbound Ventura (101) Freeway in Van Nuys. Rockslides have been reported on the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway near Agua Dulce. A flash flood warning is in effect for most of Los Angeles County until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Thousands of residents are without power, with approximately 10,700 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers affected as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. Southern California Edison is also reporting outages. Around 20 traffic signals are out across Los Angeles, and 43 downed trees have been reported. The Los Angeles Police Department has responded to over 50 traffic crashes, and the fire department has handled at least two river-rescue calls.
Evacuations and Preparations
Evacuation warnings and orders are in place for residents near recent burn areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, and others. The city of Los Angeles has issued evacuation warnings for Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon, as well as areas south of Runyon Canyon. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that 126 homes within the city are under evacuation orders, with officers conducting door-to-door alerts. Sheriff Robert Luna reported 124 homes under evacuation orders in unincorporated areas of the county, with roughly 260 additional homes in other cities also subject to evacuation orders.
Orange County has issued mandatory evacuation orders near the Airport Fire burn scar, affecting areas around Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon. Reception centers have been opened for displaced residents, and shelters are available for pets and large animals.
Looking Ahead
The National Weather Service forecasts that lower elevations, such as downtown Los Angeles, could receive 2 to 4 inches of rain over the next few days. However, areas in the Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and San Gabriel Mountains could see 4 to 8 inches, with some mountain areas potentially receiving over a foot of rain by the end of the week. Strong and gusty winds, with gusts up to 80 mph in the mountains and deserts, are also expected through Thursday.
While the most intense period of the storm is expected Wednesday, periods of rain are likely to continue through Christmas Day and into the weekend, though with potentially lower rainfall rates. Travel during this period is strongly discouraged, particularly in canyon roadways and areas prone to flooding and landslides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an atmospheric river?
The source describes this storm as an “atmospheric river,” which is a concentrated band of moisture in the atmosphere. It picks up excessive moisture as it moves across the Pacific Ocean and makes landfall.
Where are the current evacuation warnings in place?
Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents near the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Lidia, Franklin, Bridge, Canyon, Owen, Hurst and Kenneth fires in Los Angeles County, and near the Airport Fire burn scar in Orange County, including areas of Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon.
What should I do if I am in an evacuation warning area?
Sheriff Robert Luna urges residents to heed evacuation orders and warnings, stating that failing to do so is “putting your lives at risk.” Residents with elderly or disabled relatives are encouraged to coordinate a plan to help them evacuate.
Given the potential for continued hazardous conditions, what steps are you taking to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones this holiday season?
