Severe Weather Batters California, Bringing Holiday Travel Chaos and Flooding
A powerful winter storm has brought severe weather to California, causing widespread flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, with parts of the state bracing for further disruptions over the holiday period. The storm, which swept across Southern California, has resulted in two reported deaths, with authorities warning of potential additional fatalities.
Rainfall from the storm is expected to continue, with forecasters predicting an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain through Friday, according to CBS News weather producer Elie Morrison. This has led to a flood watch being issued for the California coast, from the Oregon border to Los Angeles, and in central California. The National Weather Service has also issued wind and flood advisories for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Evacuations and Rescue Efforts Underway
Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, including Lytle Creek and Wrightwood, in the San Gabriel Mountains, due to the risk of mudslides and debris flows. Firefighters have been working to rescue people trapped in cars, with San Bernardino County firefighters reporting that they have rescued several individuals from vehicles stuck in mud and debris. The area has been under a shelter-in-place order, with some homes inundated by floodwaters.
Janice Quick, the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce president and 50-year resident, described the situation as “unprecedented,” stating that she has “never seen rain last this long, as far as the heaviness and this amount of rain — and of course because of our fire, we’ve got a lot of mud and debris flow.” The area was ravaged by the Bridge Fire in 2024, which has increased the risk of mudslides and debris flows.
Weather Conditions and Travel Disruptions
The severe weather has resulted in significant travel disruptions, with several roads, including a part of Interstate 5 near the Burbank Airport, closed due to flooding. 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, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford.
Heavy snow and gusts have created “near white-out conditions” in parts of the Sierra Nevada, making mountain pass travel treacherous. Officials have reported a “considerable” avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe, with a winter storm warning in effect until Friday morning. Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties, allowing state assistance for the storm response.
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