Post by : Badri Ariffin

A significant winter storm has struck Southern California, unleashing heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides across the area, with forecasts indicating another storm may develop on Christmas Day.

While rainfall subsided in certain locations on Wednesday, weather experts warned that additional showers and potential thunderstorms could increase the chances of flash flooding. This Christmas might become one of the wettest in years, posing particular dangers to communities near recent wildfire burn scars.

Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were enacted in multiple mountain areas as debris flows were triggered by strong winds and heavy rain. Burned hillsides, stripped of vegetation, struggled to manage the sudden surge of water, leading to mud and rocks cascading downhill.

In San Bernardino County, rescue teams saved several individuals stuck in vehicles as mud and debris overwhelmed roads leading to Wrightwood, a resort area in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. Officials have yet to confirm the total number of rescues. Emergency crews also conducted door-to-door checks as residents were told to remain indoors.

The community of Lytle Creek faced an evacuation order as floodwaters compromised the only bridge connecting several parts of the area. Residents shared stories of families stranded apart by the creek, compelling many to seek refuge in local community centers or nearby hotels.

Amid the chaos, residents united to assist one another. In Wrightwood, neighbors gathered to aid a family stuck in a cabin with minimal food and baby supplies after fallen rocks blocked access. Within an hour of an online request for assistance, community members delivered groceries, diapers, and essentials.

Local officials noted that last year’s wildfire damage has left the landscape particularly at risk. Janice Quick, president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that substantial forest cover was lost in a 2024 fire, heightening the likelihood of mudslides during significant rainfall.

Flood warnings were also extended to coastal regions, such as Malibu, with wind and flood advisories reaching areas north into the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Several key roads faced temporary closures due to flooding, including part of Interstate 5 near Burbank Airport.

This series of storms has been fueled by numerous atmospheric rivers pulling moisture from tropical regions during a peak holiday travel time. The National Weather Service anticipates some areas may see rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches this week, notably above seasonal averages, with even higher amounts in mountainous regions.

In the higher elevations, the combination of heavy snow and fierce winds triggered near whiteout conditions in specific areas of the Sierra Nevada, leading to avalanche warnings around Lake Tahoe.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency across six counties to facilitate the swift deployment of state resources. Emergency teams and the California National Guard are on standby as officials advise residents to refrain from unnecessary travel and remain vigilant regarding changing weather conditions.

#Global News