LOS ANGELES : California is currently grappling with a series of powerful Christmas storms that have triggered widespread flash flooding, mudslides, and power outages. At least three people have lost their lives in storm-related incidents as a massive atmospheric river, known as the “Pineapple Express,” dumps months’ worth of rain across the state.
Death Toll and Impact
- Casualties: Authorities reported three deaths, including a 64-year-old man killed by a falling tree in San Diego, a 74-year-old man trapped in a flooded vehicle in Redding, and a woman in her 70s swept into the ocean by a large wave in Mendocino County.
- Flooding & Mudslides: Torrential rain has caused severe mudslides in “burn scar” areas near Los Angeles, where January wildfires stripped the hillsides of vegetation. In the mountain town of Wrightwood, residents were trapped in their homes by fast-moving muddy water.
- State of Emergency: Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego.
Weather Forecast and Power Outages
- Atmospheric River: The storm system is drawing heavy moisture from Hawaii, resulting in over 27cm (11 inches) of rain in some parts of LA County.
- High Winds: Gusts of up to 88 km/h have been recorded, while some observatories in the Bay Area reported winds exceeding 160 km/h.
- Power Outages: Over 100,000 residents across the state were without power as of Thursday night due to downed trees and damaged power lines.
