A relentless series of “Pineapple Express” storms that disrupted Christmas travel has left California waterlogged. Although the most intense downpours have eased, meteorologists warn that the danger is far from over. With the soil unable to absorb more water, even light showers are now triggering immediate runoff and flash flooding.
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- Flash Flooding & Mudslides: A Flood Watch remains active for much of Southern California, including Los Angeles and Ventura counties, through Friday afternoon. Emergency crews are on high alert in “burn scar” areas like Malibu and the Pacific Palisades, where January’s wildfires have left hillsides unstable and prone to debris flows.
- “Super-Saturated” Conditions: The National Weather Service (NWS) emphasizes that the region is at a tipping point. Because the ground is completely soaked, any additional precipitation will bypass the soil and flow directly into streets and stream beds.
- High Surf Warnings: Coastal residents face a different kind of danger. A High Surf Advisory is in effect, with breaking waves in Northern California expected to reach 20 to 25 feet. In Southern California, waves of 5 to 8 feet are causing significant beach erosion.
- Sierra Snow & Avalanches: The mountains have seen up to 5 feet of snow this week. A high avalanche risk remains around Lake Tahoe, where white-out conditions and 100 mph ridge gusts have made travel nearly impossible.
Storm Impact by the Numbers
| Impact | Current Status |
| Casualties | 3 confirmed deaths (San Diego, Redding, and Mendocino County). |
| Power Outages | Over 70,000 customers remained without power as of Friday morning. |
| Rainfall | Parts of LA County saw over 11 inches; downtown LA had its wettest Christmas in 54 years. |
| Emergency Status | State of Emergency declared by Gov. Newsom for 6 counties. |
Crisis in Wrightwood
The mountain community of Wrightwood has emerged as the epicenter of the storm’s destruction. Mud and rock slides have buried roads and trapped residents. On Christmas Day, emergency teams performed dramatic rescues, including pulling people from flooded cars and, in some cases, hoisting residents from rooftops by helicopter. The town remains under an evacuation warning as crews work to clear debris.
