Dangerous Christmas Deluge: California Faces State of Emergency Amid Historic Flooding

A powerful storm is battering California on Christmas Day. The state faces life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for multiple counties.

The crisis is driven by a potent atmospheric river. This weather system is dumping several months’ worth of rain in just days. Southern California is under the most severe threat right now.

Historic Rainfall and Widespread Flooding Risks

The National Weather Service warns of excessive rainfall. A Moderate Risk alert is active for Southern California. Numerous flash floods are expected in urban areas.

Downtown Los Angeles could see 4 to 8 inches of rain. According to AccuWeather, this is two to three times the December average. Steep terrain and recent wildfire burn scars are especially vulnerable to dangerous debris flows.

Evacuation orders are in effect near burn scars in Los Angeles County. Some residents must leave their homes through Christmas. Officials in Shasta County are also preparing for renewed flooding.

Sierra Snow and Eastern Winter Storm Impacts

The storm is also creating a historic snow event. The Sierra Nevada mountains could receive 8 to 12 feet of snow. Isolated peaks may see up to 15 feet, according to forecasters.

Meanwhile, a separate system is affecting the eastern U.S. A mix of freezing rain and sleet is spreading from Michigan to Pennsylvania. This is creating very hazardous travel conditions for the holiday.

Another round of moderate to heavy snow is likely over New England. This will further complicate post-Christmas travel across the Northeast. The combination of national weather hazards is significant.

The immediate priority is public safety as this severe weather continues. The California flooding emergency highlights the increasing intensity of winter storms. Residents are urged to follow all local evacuation and safety orders.

Info at your fingertips

Which areas of California are under a state of emergency?

Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for several counties. This includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties due to the severe flood risk.

How much rain is expected in Los Angeles?

Forecasters project 4 to 8 inches of rain in downtown Los Angeles. This amount far exceeds the entire historical average for the month of December in the region.

Are there evacuation orders in place?

Yes. Local authorities have issued evacuation orders for communities near recent wildfire burn scars in Los Angeles County. Residents there are advised to leave immediately.

Is heavy snow also part of this storm system?

Absolutely. The Sierra Nevada mountains are expecting a historic snowfall of 8 to 12 feet, with isolated totals up to 15 feet on the highest peaks and ridges.

How is travel being affected outside of California?

A wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet is creating dangerous roads from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic. New England is also bracing for more snow, disrupting holiday travel.

Trusted Sources: Information was gathered from official statements by the California Governor’s Office, forecast bulletins from the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center (WPC), and meteorological analysis from AccuWeather.