One dead in California floods as state braces for brutal week of Christmas storms
In California, one individual has lost their life due to severe flooding, as citizens statewide prepare for an intense week of storms expected to bring significant rainfall throughout the Christmas weekend. Officials in Redding, a city located in northern California, reported that a driver died on Sunday after becoming trapped in their vehicle. Although the cause is still under investigation, Redding’s mayor Mike Littau mentioned that a 911 call was received from someone who was trapped in their car as it filled with water. Redding police entered the water, smashed the car windows, rescued the victim, and administered CPR; however, they were unable to save them. “The city is very concerned about rain Tuesday to Friday having bigger impacts than what we experienced last night … Today is a good day to prepare, as we know more rain is coming,” Littau shared on Facebook. In addition, the Pineapple Express – a term used for a strong atmospheric river that originates in the tropical Pacific – is anticipated to bring storms across the state this week, resulting in heavy rains, high winds, and the possibility of further flooding. Southern California may be hit by its most significant Christmas storm in years, with heavy rain expected to begin on Tuesday. Between then and Saturday, meteorologists predict 4 to 8 inches (10cm to 20cm) along coastal regions and between eight and 12 inches in the foothills, according to KTLA’s report on Monday. This winter has already been quite wet for western US states. An exceptionally powerful atmospheric river system in December has resulted in deadly flooding, breached levees, and power outages throughout Oregon and Washington. Furthermore, this week’s storms follow a late November autumn storm that dropped 5.5 inches of rain on Los Angeles, marking the wettest November in decades. For many, the risk of mudslides and heavy debris flows in burn-scarred areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires at the beginning of the year remains a top concern, both in November and now. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a flash flood warning for the area starting on Tuesday and is advising residents to exercise caution when traveling during the holiday. The city is also mobilizing staff from the Los Angeles homeless services authority (Lahsa) to distribute supplies and hotel vouchers to individuals living outdoors. “Los Angeles City personnel are preparing for the storm this holiday week. First responders, public works crews, and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather,” Bass stated in a release on Monday. “Angelenos planning to travel to spend time with family and loved ones this holiday week should exercise caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed. Atmospheric rivers commonly form in tropical regions, where warm temperatures can lead to the rise of water vapor into the atmosphere, as explained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Powerful atmospheric rivers are capable of transporting incredible quantities of moisture. Research indicates they can carry seven to 15 times the average amount of water released daily by the Mississippi River, according to the US Geological Survey. These phenomena happen globally but are particularly important along the West Coast of the United States, contributing to 30% to 50% of annual precipitation, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Associated Press contributed reporting
Published: 2025-12-22 21:54:00
source: www.theguardian.com
