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California Braces for More as Historic Storms Unleash Flooding, Mudslides
California is reeling from a powerful storm system that has brought relentless winds, heavy rain, and significant snowfall this week. While the system is expected to ease by Friday, residents are warned of continued risks, including high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles, and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada.
Officials have issued warnings for waves reaching up to 25 feet near the San Francisco Bay Area, a high risk of flooding in parts of Southern California, and potential avalanches in the Lake Tahoe area. The mountain town of Wrightwood, located approximately 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, is on alert for mudslides, with residents advised to be prepared for evacuation.
These storms, fueled by atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of tropical moisture, struck during one of the year’s busiest travel weeks. The severe weather has been linked to at least two deaths earlier in the week, and overnight, approximately 70,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages, according to Find Energy.
Downtown Los Angeles experienced its wettest Christmas season in 54 years, as reported by the National Weather Service. The flooding threat is particularly acute due to the “super saturation of all of the area,” meaning “any rainfall that occurs will immediately turn to runoff,” explained the National Weather Service, as highlighted by CBS Los Angeles.
On Thursday, roads in Wrightwood, a town of 5,000 residents, were impassable, covered in rocks, debris, and thick mud. With power out, a gas station and coffee shop operating on generators became vital hubs for both residents and visitors.
San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick confirmed that over 150 firefighters have been stationed in the area, stating, “We’re ready. It’s all hands on deck at this point.”
Tragically, a San Diego man died Wednesday after being struck by a falling tree, according to fire officials and CBS affiliate KFMB-TV. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy was killed in what is believed to be a weather-related crash.
Coastal areas, including Malibu, remained under a flood watch until Friday afternoon. Wind and flood advisories were also issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford noted that while Southern California typically receives half an inch to one inch of rain this time of year, many areas have seen between four and eight inches, with even higher totals in the mountains.
The Sierra Nevada is anticipating more wind and heavy snow, with gusts creating “near white-out conditions” and making mountain pass travel extremely treacherous.
In response to the widespread impact, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in six counties, enabling access to state assistance. The state has deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard remains on standby.