LA Storm Damage: Flooded Roads, Collapsed Structures, and Mountain Snow

Storm Impact Across Southern California

• 🌧️ Heavy downpours unleashed flooding, brought down trees, and left mud in the streets across Southern California.
• ⚡ Residents reported being woken up by loud thunder and lightning throughout the night.

Roadway Hazards and Damage

• 🚗 In Huntington Beach, a driver's car was declared "toast" after attempting to drive through flooded streets, damaging the engine and air filter.
• ⚠️ Caltrans crews were busy addressing potholes popping up on freeways, urging drivers to exercise patience and caution.
• 💧 A fire hydrant was sheared off in Sunland by a driver on the wet road, and in Tarzana, water from another sheared hydrant caused a gas station awning to collapse.

Mountain Snowfall and Conditions

• 🏔️ The San Bernardino Mountains experienced significant snowfall overnight, requiring chains on many roadways and leading to stranded vehicles.
• ❄️ Despite the hazardous conditions, the snow created a "winter wonderland" vibe with decorated Christmas trees, welcoming the seasonal change.

Weather Outlook

• 💨 While the worst of the wet weather is past, Santa Ana winds began to pick up, with gusts reaching 15-25 mph in some areas.
• ☀️ The forecast indicates clearing skies and a return to drier, warmer weather, with highs expected to reach 70 degrees for much of the area by the weekend.
• 🌨️ A winter storm warning continues in some mountain areas, with a possibility of a few more inches of snow into the following morning.