UPDATE: A powerful winter storm is currently battering Southern California, triggering flash floods and prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency across Los Angeles County and neighboring areas. The storm is unleashing a deluge of rain, threatening lives and property as communities brace for unprecedented flooding.
The US Weather Prediction Centre warns of “severe, widespread flash flooding” as the storm continues to develop, with peak rainfall rates reaching up to 3.8 centimeters per hour. Forecasts indicate that some regions could see up to 25 centimeters of rain by late Christmas Eve, with total accumulations potentially reaching 35 centimeters by Friday.
As the storm progresses, evacuations have been ordered in vulnerable areas of Los Angeles and Orange County. The rain has already caused road closures, including the Angeles Crest Highway north of La Cañada Flintridge, due to hazardous conditions, and approximately 10,700 customers are without power as a result of storm debris.
Officials report that communities impacted by recent wildfires are at heightened risk for mudslides and landslides. “Lives and property are in great danger,” emphasized the US Weather Prediction Centre in its latest forecast. Areas such as Altadena, devastated by wildfires nearly a year ago, are particularly vulnerable as the soil remains unable to absorb the heavy rainfall.
“Those soils are still hydrophobic, which means rain runs off like it’s hitting hard dirt or concrete,” stated Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Centre. “This is a once-in-five-to-ten-year weather event,” he added, highlighting the extreme nature of the storm.
The atmospheric river, which has been dubbed the “Pineapple Express,” is bringing moisture all the way from Hawaii and forcing it into the coastal mountains of Southern California. This unique weather pattern is responsible for the intensity of the rainfall, making travel conditions treacherous on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways and to remain vigilant as high winds also sweep through the region, with gusts recorded at 132 kilometers per hour in some areas. The storm’s impact is expected to persist through the holiday, affecting plans for many.
On a positive note, ski resorts like Mammoth Mountain are benefiting from the storm, with forecasts calling for up to 58 centimeters of snow accumulation, providing a much-needed boost for winter sports enthusiasts.
As emergency response teams, including 55 fire engines and 10 swift-water rescue teams, are positioned across the state, officials are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of communities. The situation is developing rapidly, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for further updates.
This severe weather event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate variability and the need for communities to remain vigilant in the face of natural disasters.
