LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California is finally seeing a break from relentless rainfall brought on by a significant winter storm. However, locals shouldn’t get too comfortable just yet; another round of showers and thunderstorms is predicted for Christmas Day.
Meteorologists have warned that this holiday might turn into one of the rainiest celebrations in years. Flash flood warnings are in place, especially for places affected by wildfires earlier this year, and hazards like mudslides are a real danger.
Areas previously burned are especially vulnerable, as the lack of vegetation means they can’t absorb much water, heightening the flood risks.
In a recent event, firefighters from San Bernardino County came to the rescue of people stuck in vehicles after mud and debris overtook a road leading into Wrightwood, a mountain town northeast of Los Angeles, about 80 miles away. It’s unclear just how many people they helped escape.
First responders also went from door to door checking in on residents. Because of safety concerns, shelter-in-place orders were issued, and mandatory evacuations were ordered for Lytle Creek, another community in the San Gabriel Mountains.
The storm cut off access for Travis Guenther and his family in Lytle Creek as floodwaters washed away the bridge leading into their neighborhood. Many neighbors sought refuge either in a local community center or at hotels nearby.
“Everyone who left for work this morning is stuck right now,” Guenther noted, explaining that people ended up on either side of the creek due to the situation.
However, he remained calm, saying they had enough supplies and were working together with residents from their small community of about 280 people. Some locals, including two nurses, even offered assistance for medical needs.
Similarly caught in the storm was Dillan Brown, along with his wife and young daughter, holed up in a cabin in Wrightwood with minimal food and diapers that would last only a day. Access to stores had been blocked by fallen debris and rocks, inhibiting their departure.
Fortunately, locals banded together on social media to help each other—someone posted a call for assistance, and in no time, neighbors arrived laden with food supplies, diapers, and other essentials.
“It’s sad that we can’t be with our families this Christmas,” Brown shared, “but we’re overwhelmed by the kindness we’ve received from the community.”
Heavy Rain Causes More Trouble
Residents near burn scar areas in Orange County similarly faced evacuation orders.
Coastal regions, including Malibu, experienced flood advisories that extended into Wednesday evening. Wind and flood warnings have also spread across central California, including Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Parts of Interstate 5 near Burbank Airport were shut down due to flooding.
This alarming weather comes from several atmospheric rivers transporting moisture from warmer regions during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Generally, Southern California sees about half an inch to one inch of rain this time of year, but recent forecasts predict areas could receive 4 to 8 inches, with mountain areas likely to see even higher totals, according to meteorologist Mike Wofford.
Snowy Conditions in Higher Elevations
On top of the heavy rain, substantial snowfall has created dangerously low-visibility conditions in parts of the Sierra Nevada. Travelers in the mountains are facing perilous conditions amidst threats of avalanches around Lake Tahoe due to ongoing winter storm warnings.
In response to the dangerous weather, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across six counties to streamline assistance for communities.
The state’s emergency resources were mobilized, and the National Guard stands ready to assist where needed.
Moreover, the California Highway Patrol reported a tragic weather-related accident near Sacramento leading to the death of a sheriff’s deputy. Reports indicate that he may have lost control while traveling too fast on a wet road.
