Christmas Storm Brings Record Rainfall to Southern California
The Christmas storm that pounded Southern California set new daily rainfall records around the region, with the strongest atmospheric river storm to hit the area in nearly two years. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld, the storm brought significant rainfall, with records set at various locations, including LAX, Burbank Airport, Woodland Hills, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Anaheim.
Among the new daily rainfall records set on Wednesday were 1.88 inches at LAX, 3.39 inches at Burbank Airport, 3.96 inches in Woodland Hills, 3.33 inches in Oxnard, 3.31 inches in Santa Barbara, and 1.87 inches in Anaheim. The rain caused flooding, mudslides, and evacuations across the region, with some areas experiencing intense rain and strong winds.
Impact on Residents and Travelers
The storm had a significant impact on residents and travelers, with flooded freeways, scattered mudslides, and prompted evacuations. Some areas, such as Wrightwood, experienced worsening conditions due to the accumulation of rain on fire-scarred hills, leading to an evacuation warning. Fire officials responded to reports of flooding, debris flows, and people stuck in vehicles.
In addition to the flooding and mudslides, the storm also caused disruptions to holiday shopping, with some shoppers braving the rain to finish their last-minute shopping. At the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, shoppers like Trini Johnson, 59, took a break from shopping with her 14-year-old niece, saying that getting out of the car in the rain was “horrible” and “awful.”
Response and Preparations
California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta, in response to the powerful storms hitting the region. The emergency proclamation allows for the rapid mobilization of state resources and support for local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the deployment of the California National Guard if needed.
The storm has resulted in saturated soils, heightening the risk of flooding, landslides, debris flows, and rapidly rising creeks and rivers statewide. Residents in affected areas have been advised to take precautions and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation warning for Wrightwood, and the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District responded to multiple reports of flooding and debris flows.
For those affected by the storm, resources are available, including shelters and assistance for pets. In Orange County, residents near the Airport burn scar have been told to leave, and a county shelter has been set up to accept animals.
Conclusion
The Christmas storm that hit Southern California brought record rainfall, flooding, and disruptions to holiday plans. As the region begins to recover, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. For more information and updates on the storm, visit Here
Cars stuck in the mud on Summit Valley Road near Foley Road near Hesperia after a major storm rolled through the area.
(OnScene.TV)
