Storms in California Cause Fatalities, Widespread Disruptions as of Christmas Night
Severe storms hitting California as of Christmas night have resulted in three fatalities and significant disruptions across the state. Parts of Los Angeles County reported up to 11 inches (27 cm) of rainfall due to atmospheric rivers, leading to evacuations and road closures. Emergency responders conducted multiple rescues amid the conditions, while approximately 100,000 residents experienced power outages.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and other southern California counties. The US Weather Prediction Center issued warnings for numerous flash flooding events and the potential for many streams to flood, threatening larger rivers.
Fatalities include a 64-year-old man in San Diego who was killed by a fallen tree, a 74-year-old man who died in Redding during a rescue operation, and a woman in her 70s who was swept off a rock by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park.
Evacuation warnings were issued for parts of San Bernardino County, with flash flood warnings in effect for the San Francisco Bay Area. Winds near San Jose exceeded 100 mph. The community of Altadena suffered a mudslide in a burn scar area severely impacted by January wildfires, which reduced soil absorption capacity.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared an emergency and urged residents to exercise caution on roads amid holiday travel conditions.
