Christmas Eve Storm Drenches SoCal: State of Emergency Declared

Southern California Under State of Emergency

• 🚨 Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Southern California due to a powerful atmospheric river.
• ⚠️ The storm is bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and flash flooding across the region.

Storm Impacts and Road Closures

• 🌊 Toppled trees, power outages, and mud flows from burn scar areas are widespread.
• 🛣️ Several highways, including Highway 138, Highway 173, and parts of Highway 15, are closed due to flooding and debris.
• 🚗 San Bernardino County Fire conducted water rescues for vehicles stuck in flooded roadways, with two successful rescues reported.
• 🚫 Highway 2 is shut down in the Rialto area due to heavy debris flows and flooding.

Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place Orders

• 🏠 A shelter-in-place order has been issued for the Rialto area, and an evacuation order is in effect for Wildhorse Canyon.
• ⚠️ Residents in danger zones are advised to move to higher ground as conditions are expected to worsen.
• 🏫 An evacuation center has been established at Serrano High School.

Localized Conditions and Warnings

• 🌧️ While some areas like Sherman Oaks have seen a slight let-up in rain, Burbank Boulevard and I-5 remain significantly flooded and closed.
• ⚠️ A flash flood warning has been extended for much of central LA County, with concerns about potential mudslides and debris flows in burn scar areas like Altadena.
• 🌲 Residents in areas affected by fires, such as the Eaton Fire burn area, are taking precautions like sandbagging.

Snowfall and Future Outlook

• ❄️ A cold air mass is bringing light snowfall to the Big Bear area, with potential for lower snow levels by Friday morning.
• ☔ The atmospheric river is expected to continue delivering rain through Christmas Day.