California officials and weather forecasters have warned holiday travelers to stay off the roads on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as a series of powerful winter storms threatens the state with relentless rain, heavy winds and mountain snow.
Weather Threats Loom Over California
A group of atmospheric rivers is expected to sweep across the state, bringing a wettest Christmas in years to Southern California and heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada. The National Weather Service warned that the storms could produce flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows, especially in areas burned by last January’s wildfires. Southern California could see 4 to 8 inches of rain-far above the typical half an inch to 1 inch for this time of year-while gusts may reach 60 to 80 mph in parts of the central coast.
Evacuation Orders and Road Closures
Los Angeles County officials knocked on the doors of about 380 particularly vulnerable households, ordering them to leave before the storms hit. The county also installed K-rails around burn scars to catch sliding debris and offered free sandbags to residents. Parts of Los Angeles were under evacuation warnings starting Tuesday, and officials expect multiple road closures and airport delays during the storms.
Storm Impact So Far
Heavy rain and flash flooding that began on Saturday in Northern California already led to water rescues and at least one death. Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson declared a state of emergency on Monday to prepare for more rain and allow the state to help with hazard mitigation and search and rescue operations. The emergency declaration also gave the state authority to coordinate resources across counties.
Official Statements and Forecasts
National Weather Service meteorologist Ariel Cohen urged people to reconsider their plans: “If you’re planning to be on the roads for the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans.” Meteorologist Mike Wofford added that “Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters). It could be even more in the mountains. Gusts could reach 60 to 80 mph (96.5 to 127.8 kph) in parts of the central coast.”
Los Angeles County supervisor Kathryn Barger said, “When experts are projecting this type of rain in this short period of time, it’s serious.” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell told residents that “The threat posed by this storm is real and imminent.”
Preparedness Measures Across the State
The state has deployed resources and first responders to a number of counties along the coast and in Southern California ahead of the storms. The California National Guard is on standby to assist with emergency operations. Airports are also preparing for potential delays and closures as weather conditions worsen.
Looking Ahead
Forecasters expect the system to pick up in the evening and intensify on Christmas Eve, with rain and winds tapering off Wednesday before another storm moves in. Much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area are under a flood watch and a high wind warning through Friday. The Sierra Nevada could see near white-out conditions, making it nearly impossible to travel through the mountain passes.
There is also a risk of severe thunderstorms and a small chance of tornadoes along the northern coast. Potential widespread flooding, rockslides and mudslides are highly likely, especially in areas burned by last January’s deadly Palisades fire.
Key Takeaways
- California faces record-rain, snow and winds on Christmas, with atmospheric rivers threatening flash floods and mudslides.
- Los Angeles County has ordered evacuations for 380 households and installed K-rails and sandbags to protect vulnerable areas.
- The state has declared a state of emergency in Shasta County and deployed the National Guard and first responders to prepare for the storms.
The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and mountain snowfall is set to create hazardous travel conditions across California. Travelers are urged to stay off the roads and heed evacuation orders as the storms roll in.
