Rainy Christmas Brings Relief and Risks to Southern California

Southern California experienced a complex blend of relief and challenges over the Christmas period.

Heavy Rain and Saturated Ground

Heavy rain finally eased up, but the ground remains saturated. This raises the risk of flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas affected by recent fires.

Emergency Declarations and Weather Warnings

State of Emergency: The mayor of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency.
Flood Watch: In effect until Friday evening.
Rain Forecast: Expected to stop by Friday night.
Weekend Weather: Sunny and cool, with temperatures reaching 64 degrees.

Ongoing Risks and Incidents

Despite the lighter rain on Friday, the ground's saturation level increases the risk of flooding. The storms resulted in three deaths across California:

San Diego: A man died when a tree fell on him.
Beach Incident: A woman in her 70s was killed by a wave.
Redding: Another person died in flooding.

Rescue and Environmental Impact

Rescue Operation: Firefighters saved a woman swept away by a creek.
Sewage Spill: Near Cabrillo Beach, people were advised to avoid the water and wet sand.

Community Resilience

Despite the weather, some families enjoyed their Christmas plans:

Sacramento Family: Visited Disneyland and had a good time despite the rain.
Inglewood Family: Visited Downtown Disney, stating the rain wouldn't stop their fun.

Areas at Risk

Malibu and Topanga Canyon: Remain at risk.
Ventura County: Experienced heavy thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 50 mph and significant rainfall (2 to 10 inches in some areas).

Emergency Response

Los Angeles Fire Department: Responded to river rescues.
Police: Handled over 100 traffic accidents.
City Services: Addressed nearly 500 tree emergencies and fixed traffic signals.

Winter Storm Warnings

Sierra Nevada Mountains: Winter storm warning in effect, with snowfall up to 12 inches per day. By the weekend, snow could fall at lower elevations.
Tehachapi and Frazier Park: Faced high winds capable of blowing down trees and power lines. Residents were advised to stay safe during the storm.