California is bracing for more severe weather as a powerful winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to increased risks of mudslides and debris flows. Following a bout of heavy rain, another storm is expected to arrive on Christmas Day, bringing additional showers and the possibility of thunderstorms.
Authorities have reported that two fatalities in the state may be linked to the severe conditions. A flood watch remains in effect along the California coast, stretching from the Oregon border to Los Angeles, as well as in central California.
Weather experts indicate that the state could experience its wettest Christmas in years, with forecasts suggesting an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain could fall through Friday. Flash flooding and mudslides are significant concerns, particularly in areas previously affected by wildfires. Evacuation warnings have been issued for regions hit hard by January wildfires, where heavy rainfall and gusty winds have exacerbated the risk of mudslides.
In Altadena, a community significantly impacted by recent fires, a CBS News crew documented a mudslide early on December 25. Meanwhile, in San Bernardino County, firefighters were engaged in rescue operations to assist individuals trapped in vehicles as mud and debris inundated roads leading into Wrightwood, a resort town located about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles.
Officials reported that some homes in the area were submerged due to floodwaters. Janice Quick, president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce, expressed concern over the prolonged and intense rainfall, noting that the combination of heavy rain and previous wildfires has led to increased mud and debris flows.
Evacuation orders have also been issued for residents in Lytle Creek and around burn scar areas from the Airport Fire in Orange County. In addition to flooding concerns, parts of California State Route 138 have been washed away due to the relentless rains.
Farther north, wind and flood advisories have been issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. The National Weather Service has warned that the storm system will bring strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms through Thursday morning, with unsettled conditions expected to persist into Friday.
Statewide, over 158,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages overnight. The storms are being fueled by multiple atmospheric rivers transporting significant moisture from the tropics during a busy travel period.
Numerous road closures have occurred due to flooding, including sections of Interstate 5 near Burbank Airport. Weather patterns have resulted in Southern California receiving between 4 to 8 inches of rain, significantly more than the usual half inch to one inch typical for this time of year.
In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snowfall and strong winds have created hazardous travel conditions, with officials warning of a considerable avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe. A winter storm warning remains in effect until Friday morning.
In response to the ongoing situation, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties, enabling state assistance for storm responses. Emergency resources and first responders have been deployed to various coastal and Southern California counties, with the California National Guard on standby.
Tragically, the California Highway Patrol reported a weather-related accident south of Sacramento that resulted in the death of a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy. The deputy lost control of his vehicle while traveling at an unsafe speed on a wet road. In another incident in San Diego, a man was killed by a falling tree branch outside his home.
