In brief
Southern California is facing its wettest Christmas in years due to a powerful winter storm that has brought heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires. Residents in burn scar zones are under evacuation orders as communities rally together to provide supplies and support amid challenging conditions.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rain from a powerful winter storm sweeping across Southern California has begun to taper off, but another storm is on the horizon for Christmas Day, with showers and possible thunderstorms anticipated.
Forecasters indicate Southern California might experience its wettest Christmas in years, warning of flash flooding and mudslides especially in areas previously affected by wildfires. Evacuation warnings have been issued in burnt regions as heavy rain and gusty winds can lead to dangerous debris flows.
Firefighters in San Bernardino County have been active in rescuing individuals trapped by mud and debris in Wrightwood, a resort town approximately 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, as roadways quickly become impassable.
Travis Guenther and his family live in Lytle Creek, another town in the San Gabriel Mountains, where the storm destroyed their only bridge. With more than a dozen neighbors finding shelter together, Guenther described the anxious reality: “Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck.”
Amid the chaos, the community is demonstrating resilience; Guenther reports coordinating supply deliveries with local residents and benefiting from support from nearby medical professionals offering assistance in case of emergencies.
Janice Quick, president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce and a long-time resident, noted that the terrain around has been severely stripped of vegetation as a result of previous wildfires, significantly reducing its ability to absorb rainfall—a situation that exacerbates the risks posed by the incoming storm.
Warnings have extended across Southern California, affecting beach communities like Malibu and urgent advisories issued for the greater Sacramento Valley. The California National Guard is on standby as emergency resources are dispatched statewide. The imminent winter storm has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in six counties to expedite aid recovery efforts.
As Southern California braces for additional rainfall due to multiple atmospheric rivers, residents are urged to remain clear of flooded areas and to prepare for ongoing challenges throughout this holiday season.
