Christmas storms drench California, flooding roads and prompting statewide emergency declarations

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Southern California witnessed an abundance of rainfall on Christmas Eve, which turned disastrous as civilians woke up to a “wet and windy Christmas morning,” as reported by NBC News. 

As several regions, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties, were expected to receive more rain on Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in these regions to keep the communities safe.

National Weather Service issues warning of excessive rainfall 

On Thursday, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warned civilians of a “moderate risk of excessive rainfall” till Friday morning, with the possibility of a flash flood.

The NWS also reported that areas from San Luis Obispo County to Los Angeles were still under a “flood advisory,” although the rain was likely to decrease.

In a statement issued at 8.53 am pst, the NWS stated that a Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain.

It also revealed that its impact could cause flash flooding at “small creeks and streams” in urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, along with other low-lying areas with poor drainage.

It listed the following regions likely to be affected, such as Eastern Malibu, Topanga State Park, Pacific Palisades, Topanga Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Canyon and Las Virgenes Road through the Santa Monica Mountains, and Mandeville Canyon.

It also issued a precautionary warning to civilians, urging them to “turn around” and not “drown” when encountering flooded roads. 

Another update was posted from Hanford at 9.29 am pst on Christmas Day, which stated the Doppler radar had indicated “heavy rain” over Basin and Garnet Burn Scar.

It added that excessive rainfall was likely to cause mudslides near steep terrain and could consist of rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials.

The NWS said that the flash flood was “life-threatening” in the area and said that Balch Power House and Fence Meadow would also experience flash floods.

“This is a life-threatening situation,” the website read as it urged people to “climb to safety” if they encountered flood waters. 

Officials declare a state of emergency

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in some parts of California on Wednesday. However, he wasn’t the only one. The same day, Los Angeles’ Mayor Karen Bass also issued a Declaration of Local Emergency.

She issued a statement in which she wrote that the local government was ensuring there were sufficient resources and tools to help facilitate the efforts of various departments in keeping the city safe.

She also directed the Emergency Operations Organization to be activated to take the necessary steps for the “protection of life and property.”