Christmas Day has brought yet another storm to California, compounding the challenges faced just a day before, when the state endured a chaotic Christmas Eve with rescues and evacuations due to severe flooding and debris flow threats.
Today, on Christmas morning, a line of intense thunderstorms has made its way into Northern California, bringing with it wind gusts over 70 mph, leading to flash flooding in the San Francisco metro area.
Warnings are in effect for much of Southern California, encompassing popular areas like Los Angeles. The National Weather Service has put a “moderate” Level 3 of 4 risk for excessive rain, anticipating additional rainfall of up to 4 inches in urban locations, which could lead to flooding issues throughout the day and into the night.
On Wednesday, a powerful storm had already battered Southern California, dropping more than 10 inches of rain in some mountainous regions while the lower areas saw between 2 to 5 inches. Despite a reduction in rainfall intensity on Thursday and Friday, the risk of flooding persists due to the already saturated ground.
This Christmas brings an additional concern with mudslides, rockslides, and debris flows, especially in areas scarred by previous wildfires. The burned earth doesn’t absorb rain, which can quickly morph into a surge of flooding carrying mud and debris.
“All rain will result in immediate runoff,” early Thursday forecasts noted, underscoring the swift dangers posed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for multiple counties including Los Angeles and San Diego on Wednesday in order to mobilize resources. Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles confirmed that local emergency conditions were enacted to ensure all necessary resources were available for upcoming challenges.
Key Updates:
- Risk of flooding persists: Approximately 8 million residents in parts of Southern California, including Los Angeles, are under a moderate-risk warning today. This high-end outlook from the Weather Prediction Center indicates a significant concern for continued flooding. Over a dozen flash flood alerts were issued throughout just one day in Southern California.
- Severe storms shake San Francisco: Flash flood warnings were activated in the San Francisco Bay area as strong thunderstorms hit the region. Wind gusts of 72 mph were recorded at San Francisco International Airport with even higher readings in the surrounding hills. The city’s Department of Emergency Management is assessing damages, having received reports of downed trees and pooling of water on roadways. Further storms are expected later today that might deliver more damaging winds.
- Fatal incidents reported: Sadly, a motorist succumbed to injuries following a crash caused by slick road conditions in South Sacramento, where wet conditions were noted prior. Additionally, a tragic incident occurred in San Diego when a 61-year-old male was killed when a large tree fell on him as high winds swept through.
- Rescues over Christmas: In Wrightwood, situated in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles, emergency teams elevated rescue operations in flooded vehicles and homes. Reports indicated that some residents required airlift from rooftops as response efforts commenced by around 120 personnel through the night.
- Power outages widespread: An estimated 165,000 customers woke without power early on Christmas morning, as surging weather conditions wreaked havoc.
- Chain controls enforced on I-80: The Sierra Nevada’s snowy side is fully active in this storm, with several feet of snow anticipated. Chain controls are mandatory on Interstate 80, requiring snow chains or traction devices unless driving a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with appropriate snow tires.
Continuing Risks Through Friday
Overall, total rain accumulations in Southern California by week’s end could amount to 4 to 7 inches in coastal and valley regions, while upslope and mountain areas may receive a staggering 6 to 14 inches.
To visualize, cities like Los Angeles might face two months’ worth of rainfall—or even nearly half a year’s worth—in just a week, a significant volume considering the area already experienced its typical December rain through recent storms.
Travel Disruptions in the Mountains
Intense snow accumulations in the Sierra Nevada are creating hazardous travel conditions including on Interstate 80 near Donner Pass. Within the last two days, areas such as Heavenly ski resort reported accumulations of 28 inches, Northstar 38 inches, and Kirkwood 33 inches, with more snowfall ongoing across the Lake Tahoe area.
It has been quite a tumultuous season so far in terms of snowfall, notably low in preceding weeks as this weather event strikes hard.
Relief from these relentless storm patterns may finally arrive as the weekend approaches.
Reporting contributed by CNN Meteorologists Chris Dolce, Mary Gilbert, and many more.
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