A powerful storm is bringing significant rainfall to Southern California this Christmas week, creating hazardous conditions across the region. Communities at risk of mudslides are on alert, and slick roadways are impacting travel.
Storm Impacts Across Southern California
The atmospheric river is forecast to deliver several inches of rain through Friday, increasing the potential for flash flooding. Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued in vulnerable areas as a result. Significant rainfall has already begun, and conditions are expected to remain challenging for the next several days.
As of 6:43 PM GMT on December 24th, a Tornado Warning was issued for portions of east-central Los Angeles County, including Alhambra, Pasadena, and Monterey Park. While the warning was later canceled, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.
Thousands of Southern California residents are currently experiencing power outages. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reports outages across its service area, particularly in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles. Southern California Edison is also reporting outages in Los Angeles and Orange County.
California officials are prioritizing the capture of storm water to replenish vital water supplies. Last month’s storms reportedly generated enough water to supply tens of thousands of Los Angeles households, and reservoirs like Lake Oroville currently have available storage capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently under alert?
Communities in east-central Los Angeles County were briefly under a Tornado Warning, but are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Generally, all of Southern California is experiencing hazardous driving conditions due to rain, and areas prone to mudslides are under alert for potential evacuation orders.
How many power outages are being reported?
Thousands of customers are affected by power outages across Southern California, with the largest concentrations in the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles areas, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Is this a typical weather pattern for Christmas in Southern California?
No, rain on Christmas Day is relatively uncommon in Southern California. Historical data indicates it has only rained 46 times since 1892.
As this storm continues to unfold, residents should stay informed about local weather updates and heed any warnings or evacuation orders issued by authorities. What steps are you taking to stay safe during this unusual Christmas weather?
