California Storm System Eases, But Risks of High Surf, Flash Flooding, and Avalanches Remain
A powerful storm system that brought relentless winds, rain, and snowfall to California earlier this week is expected to subside by Friday, but the state is still bracing for potential dangers, including high surf along the coast, flash flooding near Los Angeles, and avalanches in the Sierra Nevada. The National Weather Service has warned that waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach as high as 25 feet on Friday, while parts of Southern California are at risk of flooding, and avalanches could hit the Lake Tahoe area.
Atmospheric rivers carried massive plumes of moisture from the tropics, resulting in one of the wettest Christmas seasons in decades. The storms have been blamed for at least two deaths earlier in the week, and over 70,000 homes and businesses were left without power overnight, according to Find Energy. The National Weather Service reported that this Christmas season has been the wettest in downtown Los Angeles in 54 years.
Emergency Declarations and Preparations
Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in six counties to allow for state assistance, and the California National Guard is on standby. The state has deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, with over 150 firefighters stationed in the area. San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick stated, “We’re ready… It’s all hands on deck at this point.” Residents in the mountain town of Wrightwood, about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, have been warned to be ready to evacuate due to the risk of mudslides.
The town of Wrightwood has already experienced significant damage, with roads covered in rocks, debris, and thick mud. A gas station and coffee shop are running on generators, serving as hubs for residents and visitors. The National Weather Service has warned that the flooding threat will be exacerbated due to the super saturation of the area, stating, “Any rainfall that occurs will immediately turn to runoff.” CBS Los Angeles reports that the National Weather Service has issued flood watches and wind and flood advisories for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Impact and Aftermath
The storms have resulted in significant disruptions, with a falling tree killing a San Diego man on Wednesday, and a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy dying in a weather-related crash. Areas along the coast, including Malibu, are under a flood watch until Friday afternoon. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford noted that Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches, with even more in the mountains.
More wind and heavy snow are expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts have created “near white-out conditions” and made mountain pass travel treacherous. The California National Guard is on standby, and residents are advised to stay alert and follow evacuation orders if necessary. For more information and updates on the storm system, visit Here
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