LOS ANGELES — A powerful “atmospheric river” drenching Southern California has triggered life-threatening flash floods and massive mudflows, prompting emergency rescues and mandatory evacuations during the peak Christmas travel window.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rescue Operations in Wrightwood
The mountain resort community of Wrightwood has become the epicenter of the storm’s destruction. Emergency crews from the San Bernardino County Fire Department spent Wednesday navigating “rivers of mud” to rescue motorists trapped in submerged vehicles.
- Current Status: While no fatalities were reported as of late Wednesday, the advisory for Wrightwood has been upgraded to a shelter-in-place order as road conditions became too dangerous for evacuation.
Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage
Authorities are on high alert, particularly in areas previously scarred by wildfires where the risk of debris flows is highest.
- Pacific Palisades: Residents of 130 homes were ordered to evacuate due to their proximity to unstable hillsides.
- Road Closures: The Angeles Crest Highway has been shut down in multiple sections, and numerous rockslides have been reported on mountain passes.
- Tornado Threat: In a rare event, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Alhambra on Wednesday following intense thunderstorm activity.
By the Numbers: Rainfall and Wind
The storm system, fueled by a dense plume of Pacific moisture, has delivered staggering totals:
- Peak Intensity: Rainfall rates exceeded 1 inch per hour in several zones.
- Accumulation: Foothill areas recorded between 4 and 8 inches of rain by Wednesday morning.
- Forecast: Lower mountain elevations could see more than 12 inches of total rainfall by the end of the week.
- Winds: Gale-force gusts have downed trees and power lines, while the high Sierra mountains are bracing for several feet of heavy snow.
The Outlook: A Second Wave Arrives
Though rain subsided briefly on Wednesday night, meteorologists warn that the danger is far from over. A second wave of the storm is set to hit on Thursday.
The National Weather Service continues to urge the public to avoid all non-essential travel through Christmas Day, labeling the ongoing flood conditions as “life-threatening.”
