A relentless atmospheric river storm has brought torrential rain to Southern California this Christmas Day, resulting in heavy downpours that have already deposited over half a foot of rain in various regions. This extreme weather event has triggered widespread flooding, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for several communities, particularly those located near wildfire burn scars.
The saturated hillsides in these areas present a significant risk of mudslides and debris flows, making it crucial for residents to heed evacuation orders. Among the hardest-hit locations is the community of Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountains, where homes have been buried under several feet of mud due to the relentless rainfall.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings indicating that this long-duration atmospheric river event is far from over. Forecasters anticipate that two additional storm impulses will sweep through the region on Thursday and Friday, bringing further showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. “The potential for flooding will be high during this period,” the agency cautioned.
Showers are expected to diminish by late Friday, paving the way for dry weather to return over the weekend. However, until that time, multiple watches, warnings, and advisories remain in effect across Southern California. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging weather event.