The Perilous Drift Begins (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Southern California – A woman endured a terrifying nine-mile journey through raging floodwaters of San Jose Creek before firefighters pulled her to safety amid a powerful atmospheric river storm.
The Perilous Drift Begins
The incident unfolded as relentless rains from the storm battered the region, turning normally placid waterways into treacherous torrents. The woman, whose identity has not been released, found herself swept away in the creek’s swollen currents near the City of Industry. Witnesses first spotted her clinging desperately to debris as the water carried her downstream at alarming speeds. Emergency calls poured in, alerting authorities to the unfolding crisis along the creek’s path.
Rescuers tracked her progress over the miles, from the area near Fullerton Road and the 60 Freeway in Rowland Heights to the vicinity of Workman Mill Road in unincorporated North Whittier. The journey exposed her to churning waters, submerged obstacles, and the constant threat of exhaustion. Fire department officials later described the conditions as life-threatening, with visibility low and access points limited by the flooding.
Storm’s Relentless Assault on the Region
The atmospheric river event delivered months’ worth of rain in mere days, overwhelming drainage systems and prompting widespread evacuations. Parts of Los Angeles County recorded over 11 inches of precipitation, leading to road closures, debris flows, and power outages. This marked the third reported death tied to the storm, underscoring its deadly potential across Southern California…