Flash flood, thunderstorm alerts in effect for California with heavy rain expected to last days

Torrential rains wreaked havoc on the California coast on Christmas Eve, prompting flash flood and tornado warnings, transforming streets into waterways and triggering landslides. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta, as the region braced for the rare and perilous flood threat. Over 43 million Americans in California, southern Nevada, and northwest Arizona were placed under flood watches due to the high risk of excessive rainfall.

The deluge caused heavy debris flows in Wrightwood, California, leading to mandatory evacuations as Highway 2 became impassable. Tragically, one person lost their life in a weather-related crash in Sacramento County. A series of atmospheric rivers unleashed intense rainfall and strong winds, heightening the risk of flooding, landslides, and rapidly rising water levels in creeks and rivers.

Governor Newsom emphasized the state’s proactive measures to address the impending winter storms, including resource deployment and collaboration with local authorities to safeguard communities. High-risk areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco were warned of potential flooding, rock/mudslides, and swift water rescues. The recent wildfires have left burn scars vulnerable to debris flows, exacerbating the flood threat and causing travel disruptions during the holiday season.

With winds reaching 40-50 mph and thunderstorms looming, power outages affected over 100,000 customers in California. The heaviest rainfall was forecasted for Wednesday, with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour. Thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes added to the weather uncertainty, urging residents to stay vigilant. Despite a temporary respite in the evening, more rain was expected overnight, prolonging the flood risk.

Subsequent rounds of rain on Thursday and Friday sustained the flood threat, with mudslides and landslides remaining a concern. The community braced for ongoing challenges as the inclement weather persisted, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of nature’s fury.