Christmas celebrations in Southern California turned into a nightmare as one of the worst Christmas storms in years struck, causing heavy rain, flash floods, and landslide risks across multiple areas.
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued flash flood warnings for Los Angeles and most of Southern California on Wednesday, 24 Dec 2024 GMT+7, amid concerns about potentially deadly landslides.
This storm was driven by a meteorological phenomenon called the "Pineapple Express," a moist air current originating near Hawaii that carries vast amounts of moisture to the U.S. West Coast, resulting in intense rainfall equivalent to several months' worth within just a few days.
Meteorologists reported that some areas could receive up to 25.4 centimeters of accumulated rainfall during the week.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles, to facilitate rapid mobilization and allocation of resources in response to the worsening disaster.
The National Weather Service clearly warned that life-threatening flash floods would continue in Southern California today and tomorrow, along with heavy snowfall in the mountains and sustained strong winds, placing lives and property at great risk.
The first wave of rain began pounding the area on Tuesday night, causing fallen trees, debris scattered on roads, and minor flooding that led to traffic congestion before conditions worsened Wednesday morning.
Reports indicated that over 101,000 homes and businesses across California lost power after strong winds and rain damaged power lines, while several major roads were closed due to flash flood warnings, compounding already heavy holiday traffic.
Coastal areas such as Pacific Palisades and Malibu are under special watch because they are still recovering from severe wildfires in January. The damaged terrain significantly increases the risk of landslides during heavy rainfall.
The American Red Cross opened emergency shelters in multiple communities after some residents were ordered to evacuate immediately.
Meteorologist Ariel Cohen from the NWS warned that from Wednesday afternoon through Friday, many areas will face severe flooding, rockfalls, and landslides, especially in highland regions, and urged travelers planning Christmas road trips to reconsider their plans.
In addition to heavy rain, meteorologists warned of gusty winds reaching nearly 130 kilometers per hour in the mountainous and desert areas of Los Angeles County.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountains in eastern California have already received over 30 centimeters of snow, with totals possibly reaching 152 centimeters before the storm weakens.
California continues to bear the scars from major wildfires throughout 2025, which have claimed at least 31 lives, making this Christmas storm a stark reminder of the state's vulnerability during the holiday season.
Source:channelnewsasia
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