A powerful atmospheric river storm has claimed a third life in southern California, with flooding, road closures and debris flows reported across the region. A 64-year-old man was killed in San Diego when a tree fell on him, while a woman was swept nine miles down a creek before being rescued.
More than 11 inches of rain fell in parts of Los Angeles County by Wednesday night, prompting evacuation warnings for mountain communities in San Bernardino County. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and other southern counties, citing flooding and landslide risks in areas affected by last year's wildfires.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also declared a local emergency, urging residents to stay safe and avoid travel. The storm, forecast to continue until Saturday, has caused power outages for over 100,000 customers statewide, with the majority in Monterey County.
Evacuation orders were issued for about 130 homes in Los Angeles vulnerable to mudslides, particularly in areas where wildfires ravaged the Pacific Palisades. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to three river rescue incidents, while police handled over 100 traffic accidents.
Experts warned that burned vegetation has made soil hydrophobic, increasing runoff and debris flow risks. The Angeles Crest Highway was closed in two stretches due to flooding, and numerous rockslides were reported in the mountains.
