A strong winter storm is currently hitting California, with Southern California issuing flood and mudslide warnings due to the heavy storm. Northern California is also under flood and strong wind alerts. The sudden downpour is posing safety risks and inconveniences for millions of people planning to travel by car during the Christmas period.
On Wednesday (December 24), the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple warnings to the residents of Southern California: “A flash flood warning has been issued in your area. This is an extremely dangerous situation that may be life-threatening. Unless you are preparing to evacuate high-risk flood areas, or have received evacuation orders, please do not go out or drive.”
According to the weather forecast, Wednesday is expected to peak with heavy rain and strong winds in Southern California throughout the day; Thursday is predicted to bring a second wave of heavy rain and strong winds; rainfall is expected to gradually decrease on Friday and Saturday, turning into scattered light rain until the weather stabilizes on Sunday. Many areas may see at least 4 inches of rainfall.
In the face of the impending extreme weather, most areas of Los Angeles County have issued flood monitoring warnings. Foothill and mountain areas, as well as regions recently affected by wildfires, may face risks of mudslides and landslides. Additionally, the rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds, with maximum wind speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour, posing even greater threats to the area.
Residents of communities that were ravaged by wildfires earlier this year have received evacuation warnings, with hundreds of households receiving evacuation orders. To reduce the risk of fire damage, Los Angeles County has set up barriers in relevant areas and is providing residents with free sandbags.
Furthermore, cities like Glendale, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Clarita are in high-risk flood and heavy rain areas closely monitored by the weather bureau.
On the road front, Caltrans has closed all ramps from Lankershim Blvd to the southbound Interstate 5; the Tejon Pass Rest Area (near Gorman) has been temporarily closed; the dual left-hand lanes on California Street and Seaward Avenue segments of Highway 101 are closed; and State Route 27 Grand View Drive to Pacific Coast Highway has been fully closed since 9 p.m. on Tuesday. (Check out QuickMap for real-time updates on road closures in California).
Meteorologists also warn that the Sierra Nevada Mountains will experience heavy snow and strong winds within Wednesday, leading to extremely poor visibility. Local weather stations in Los Angeles are reminding the public to “exercise caution and avoid traveling today and Thursday.” Meanwhile, state and local officials are advising the public to avoid driving through flooded roads.
As the storm continues, Southern California may experience more road closures, fallen trees, flight delays, and other emergencies.
The storm initially swept through Northern California. Since last weekend, this storm has already caused unexpected flooding in Northern California, with one person in Redding, Shasta County, reported dead due to heavy rain and severe flooding. The local mayor confirmed this death on Sunday via social media.
The county sheriff has declared a local state of emergency to cope with the upcoming rainfall and intensify search and rescue efforts. Strong thunderstorms may also occur in the northern coastal areas.