A powerful storm system has unleashed heavy winds, rain, and snowfall across California, prompting warnings for flooding, high surf, and avalanches. While the storm is expected to ease on Friday, risks remain significant, particularly along the coast and in mountainous regions.
Coastal areas near the San Francisco Bay Area could see waves reaching up to 25 feet (approximately 7.6 meters) on Friday. Flash flooding threatens parts of southern California, while the Sierra Nevada region faces potential avalanches, especially around Lake Tahoe. Residents of the mountain town of Wrightwood, located about 130 kilometers (approximately 80 miles) northeast of Los Angeles, have been advised to prepare for possible evacuations due to mudslides.
The storms, driven by atmospheric rivers carrying moisture from tropical regions, have brought one of the wettest Christmas seasons to downtown Los Angeles in 54 years, according to the National Weather Service. Tragically, the severe weather has been linked to at least two fatalities earlier in the week.
On Thursday, roads in Wrightwood were covered in rocks, debris, and thick mud, making travel hazardous. With power outages affecting the town, a gas station and local coffee shop operating on generators have become vital hubs for residents and visitors. Jill Jenkins, a local resident spending the holiday with her grandson, described the situation as “really a crazy Christmas.” Jenkins noted that her family almost evacuated when water eroded their backyard but ultimately chose to stay and celebrate together.
Residents have been actively assisting one another during this challenging time. Davey Schneider hiked through knee-deep floodwaters to rescue cats from his grandfather’s home. “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider shared, relieved to report that all the animals were safe, albeit shaken.
Arlene Corte, another local, remarked on the transformation of roads into rivers while expressing gratitude that her home remained undamaged. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”
As more rain is anticipated, Shawn Millerick, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, confirmed that over 150 firefighters are stationed in the area to respond to emergencies. “We’re ready,” he stated. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”
The storm has also resulted in tragic incidents, including a falling tree that claimed the life of a man in San Diego and a fatal weather-related crash involving a deputy in Sacramento. Flood watches remain in effect for coastal areas, including Malibu, while wind and flood advisories cover much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Typical rainfall for southern California this time of year ranges between 0.5 inches to 1 inch (approximately 1.3 to 2.5 cm), but this week, many regions could receive between 4 inches to 8 inches (approximately 10 to 20 cm), with even higher totals expected in mountainous areas. Meteorologist Mike Wofford of the National Weather Service indicated that strong winds and heavy snow are anticipated in the Sierra Nevada, where conditions have led to near white-out situations, complicating travel.
In response to the severe weather, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties to facilitate state assistance. Resources and first responders have been deployed to several coastal and southern California counties, with the California National Guard on standby to provide further support as needed.
