California prepares for flooding and avalanche threats amid severe storms
A powerful storm system that has unleashed continuous winds, rain, and snowfall across California was anticipated to subside on Friday; however, high surf risks along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles, and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada persisted. Waves near the San Francisco Bay Area were projected to reach as high as 25ft (7.6 meters) on Friday, while certain regions in southern California faced flooding hazards, and avalanches were possible in the Lake Tahoe vicinity, according to officials. Residents of the mountain town of Wrightwood, located approximately 80 miles (130km) northeast of Los Angeles, were advised to prepare for evacuation due to potential mudslides. Atmospheric rivers transported substantial moisture from the tropics during a notably busy travel period. The storm system has been linked to at least two fatalities earlier in the week. As noted by the National Weather Service, this system resulted in the wettest Christmas season in downtown Los Angeles in 54 years. A vehicle is seen buried in mud following a series of storms on Thursday in Wrightwood, California. Photograph: William Liang/AP Roads in the 5,000-population town of Wrightwood were blanketed with rocks, debris, and thick mud on Thursday. With power outages affecting the area, a gas station and coffee shop operating on generators served as central locations for residents and visitors. “It’s really a crazy Christmas,” stated Jill Jenkins, who was celebrating the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo. Lopiccolo mentioned that their family almost evacuated the prior day when water eroded part of their backyard, but they opted to remain and continued their holiday festivities. He received a new snowboard and e-bike. “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he shared. Davey Schneider trekked a mile and a half (1.6km) through rain and floodwaters up to his shins from his Wrightwood home on Wednesday to save cats from his grandfather’s residence. “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t sure they were going to survive,” Schneider remarked on Thursday. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re all fine – just a bit scared.” Arlene Corte expressed that roads in town transformed into rivers, yet her home sustained no damage. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she remarked. “We’re here talking.” As more rain approaches, more than 150 firefighters are positioned in the region, stated Shawn Millerick, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. “We’re prepared,” he affirmed. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.” A vehicle navigates through a flooded road on La Cienega Boulevard on Wednesday in Los Angeles, California. Photograph: Apu Gomes/AFP/Getty Images A falling tree led to the death of a San Diego man on Wednesday, according to news outlets. Further north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in an incident that seemed to be connected to the weather. Coastal regions, such as Malibu, remained under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Southern California usually receives between half an inch to 1 inch (1.3-2.5cm) of rain during this period, but this week, many areas are set to receive between 4 and 8in (10 and 20cm), with even higher amounts in the mountainous regions, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford. Increased wind and heavy snowfall were expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts led to “near white-out conditions” making mountain pass travel hazardous. Governor Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties to facilitate state assistance. The state has mobilized resources and first responders to various coastal and southern California regions, with the California National Guard on alert.
Published: 2025-12-26 14:26:00
source: www.theguardian.com
