Wrightwood, CA – Communities across California are grappling with the aftermath of a powerful Christmas Day storm, following days of persistent rain and mudslides.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation warning for the mountain town of Wrightwood, northeast of Los Angeles, after residents became trapped by a mudslide.
The National Weather Service reported that waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach dangerous heights. Across the state, tens of thousands experienced power outages, according to PowerOutage.us. Earlier, the storm system was blamed for at least two deaths.
The storm, expected to impact travel across the Midwest and Northeast, brought freezing rain and sleet to Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Maryland, raising concerns about icy conditions and potential power disruptions. Snowfall is anticipated in the Northeast.
In Wrightwood, roads are covered with debris. A gas station and coffee shop, operating on generators, have become community hubs for residents and visitors coping with the power outage.
Families are making the best of the situation, finding ways to celebrate the holiday despite the challenges. Neighbors are helping each other, ensuring everyone is safe.
First responders are stationed in the affected areas, ready to assist those in need. A falling tree claimed the life of a San Diego man, and a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in a weather-related crash.
Coastal areas, including Malibu, are under flood watch, while wind and flood advisories have been issued for the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The storms are attributed to atmospheric rivers, carrying moisture from the tropics. Southern California is experiencing rainfall far exceeding the seasonal average, with even higher amounts expected in the mountains.
Heavy snow is forecast for the Sierra Nevada, with treacherous travel conditions. An avalanche risk is high around Lake Tahoe, where a winter storm warning is in effect.
The Governor has declared emergencies in several counties, allowing for state assistance. Resources and first responders have been deployed, and the California National Guard is on standby, ready to support communities during this challenging time.
