A series of powerful winter storms has unleashed apocalyptic scenes across Southern California, turning roads into raging rivers and triggering dangerous mudslides on Christmas Eve. The holiday period is set to be a complete washout for the Golden State, with meteorologists warning of relentless rainfall and hazardous conditions.
Holiday Travel Plans Disrupted by Severe Warnings
California officials have issued stark warnings to the millions of people expected to travel during the festive period, urging them to avoid the roads. The storms, which began moving in late on Tuesday evening, were forecast to intensify throughout Christmas Eve. A separate 'clipper' weather system is then predicted to submerge much of the West Coast and Midwest in further rain and snow on Christmas Day itself.
National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen in Los Angeles was unequivocal during a Tuesday news conference, stating, 'If you're planning to be on the roads for the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans.' Forecasters indicate that several atmospheric rivers—long, narrow bands of moisture flowing from the tropics—are set to sweep through the state, creating potentially impossible travel conditions.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Hazards
Southern California is bracing for what could be its wettest Christmas in years. While the region typically receives only half an inch to an inch of rain at this time of year, many areas could see a deluge of between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimetres) this week, with even higher totals in the mountains. Meteorologist Mike Wofford confirmed these alarming figures.
The intense rainfall has already led to dire consequences in Northern California, including water rescues and at least one death. In response, Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson declared a state of emergency on Monday to prepare for more rain and enable state assistance.
The threats are multifaceted and severe:
- Flash flooding and mudslides: Particularly in areas scarred by last January's wildfires, where debris flows are a major risk.
- Powerful winds: Gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph along parts of the central coast.
- Blizzard conditions: Heavy snow and gusts in the Sierra Nevada may create 'near white-out conditions,' making mountain passes nearly impassable.
- Further severe weather: A risk of severe thunderstorms and even a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast.
Emergency Response and Evacuations Underway
Local authorities are taking urgent action. In Los Angeles County, officials have been knocking on the doors of approximately 380 vulnerable households in high-risk zones to issue evacuation orders. County supervisor Kathryn Barger noted that free sandbags were available for residents to protect their properties, while K-rail barriers have been installed around burn scars to catch sliding debris.
Despite the warnings, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell reported that many in evacuation zones have chosen to stay. He forcefully reiterated the imminent danger: 'The threat posed by this storm is real and imminent.'
The state has mobilised extensively for the crisis. Resources and first responders have been deployed to numerous coastal and Southern California counties, with the California National Guard placed on standby to assist. Widespread disruptions are expected, including multiple road closures, airport delays, and possible downed trees and power lines.
With flood watches and high wind warnings in effect for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area through Friday, California faces a profoundly disrupted and dangerous holiday season, dominated by the relentless power of these atmospheric rivers.
