California Christmas Weather: Rain, Floods, and Storm Alerts/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Southern California braces for more rainfall on Christmas Day as a new storm system threatens already saturated regions. Flash flood risks and mudslides loom, especially in wildfire-scarred zones like Wrightwood and Lytle Creek. Evacuations, road closures, and emergency declarations mark a stormy holiday across the state.
California Christmas Storm: Quick Looks
- A second winter storm system is expected to hit California on Christmas Day.
- Flash flooding and mudslide warnings remain in place across burn scar zones.
- Wrightwood and Lytle Creek face evacuation orders due to mud and debris flows.
- A family with a baby was stranded in Wrightwood until neighbors delivered supplies.
- Major road closures, including part of Interstate 5, disrupted travel.
- Atmospheric rivers are fueling the extreme weather, with up to 8 inches of rain forecast.
- Heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions hit the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Gov. Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties.
Deep Look: Southern California Braces for More Rain on Christmas Amid Floods and Mudslides
LOS ANGELES — A powerful storm system continues to pound Southern California, and just as residents start to recover from days of relentless rain, forecasters warn that another wave of rainfall and thunderstorms is expected on Christmas Day. The new storm threatens to make this holiday one of the wettest Christmases in recent memory for the region.
Meteorologists predict a high risk of flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas burned by wildfires earlier this year. These “burn scar” zones lack vegetation to absorb rainwater, leaving them especially vulnerable to dangerous debris flows.
Mudslides and Rescues in the Mountains
In San Bernardino County, firefighters carried out dramatic rescues on Wednesday as mud and rocks surged down roads leading into the mountain town of Wrightwood, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Multiple people trapped in vehicles had to be saved, though officials have not confirmed the exact number.
Rescue crews went door to door to check on homes, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for Wrightwood. Nearby, an evacuation order was issued for Lytle Creek, another mountain community hit hard by flooding.
Travis Guenther, a resident of Lytle Creek, described being stranded with his neighbors after a bridge was washed out, cutting off the only route in or out of the area. “Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck,” he said. Some residents took shelter at a community center while others booked hotel rooms.
Guenther, who stayed behind with enough food and supplies, said the community was working together. “Two nurses who live on my street offered to help anyone who needs medical attention,” he added.
In Wrightwood, Dillan Brown, his wife, and their 14-month-old daughter were trapped in a rented cabin with limited food and baby supplies. A neighbor posted their situation to Facebook, and within an hour, locals arrived with diapers, milk, bread, and vegetables.
“We’re a little sad we won’t be home for Christmas,” Brown said. “But the kindness shown is overwhelming.”
Evacuations and Flood Warnings Across California
Evacuation orders were also issued in Orange County for residents living near burn areas affected by the Airport Fire. Along the coast, flood warnings were in effect for Malibu, and wind and flood advisories blanketed much of the Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
Interstate 5, a major north-south route through the state, saw flood-related closures near Burbank Airport, snarling traffic during one of the year’s busiest travel weeks.
The storm’s power stems from a series of atmospheric rivers, which transport moisture from the tropics into California. While the state typically sees half an inch to 1 inch of rain in December, some areas this week may receive 4 to 8 inches, and even more in mountainous terrain, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford.
Snow Blankets Sierra Nevada, Triggers Avalanche Warnings
In higher elevations, the storm brought blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall, especially across the Sierra Nevada. Travel through mountain passes became hazardous, with visibility dropping near zero. Officials warned of a “considerable” avalanche risk in the Lake Tahoe region, where a winter storm warning is in effect through Friday morning.
Emergency Response and Tragic Loss
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in six counties, activating state assistance and response teams. Emergency services, first responders, and even the California National Guard were deployed to vulnerable areas, especially along the coast and in Southern California.
In a tragic weather-related incident, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy James Caravallo, a 19-year veteran of the force, died in a crash south of Sacramento. According to the California Highway Patrol, Caravallo lost control of his vehicle on a rain-slicked road and struck a power pole.
More Rain Ahead
Though the first round of rain began to ease late Wednesday, forecasters warned that Christmas Day would bring another wave of rainfall, with the potential for thunderstorms. With ground already saturated, even moderate rain could lead to additional flash floods and debris flows.
Authorities continue to urge residents in burn zones, low-lying areas, and mountainous terrain to remain alert, follow evacuation orders, and avoid unnecessary travel through flood-prone routes.
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