Severe Christmas Eve Storm Hits Southern California: Team Coverage

Storm Alert and Flood Watch

• 🚨 A major storm, described as one of the biggest Christmas storms in decades, is impacting Southern California from Malibu to Orange County.
• ⚠️ A flood watch is in effect for the entire coverage area through Christmas Day and into Friday afternoon.
• ⚡ The LA area is under a level three out of four moderate flood risk for today.

Potential Hazards and Wind Warnings

• 🌪️ Areas west of LA could experience small hail, damaging winds, and potentially a brief tornado.
• 💨 A high wind warning is active for mountain communities, with gusts potentially reaching 50 to 80 miles per hour in some areas.
• 🌬️ Wind advisories are also in place, with gusts in the LA area potentially reaching 55 miles per hour.

Rainfall and Snowfall Predictions

• 🌧️ Several inches of rainfall are expected across the coast and valleys, with three to six inches anticipated through Friday.
• 🏔️ Mountain areas could see upwards of 10 inches of rain, and the Sierra Nevada is expected to receive several feet of snow.
• ❄️ Snow levels are predicted to drop, potentially bringing snowfall to areas like Wrightwood and Big Bear.

Evacuations and Mudslide Risks

• ⚠️ Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for over 120 homes in unincorporated LA County near burn zones, including the Eden fire burn scar.
• 🌊 Residents in vulnerable areas, especially near recent burn scars, are at risk of mudslides and debris flows.
• 🏠 Officials urge residents to take evacuation orders seriously, as conditions can deteriorate quickly and make roads impassable.

Storm Waves and Travel Advisory

• 🌊 The storm is arriving in waves, with the first and most intense wave expected through the morning.
• 🗓️ A second wave is anticipated on Christmas Day, and scattered showers are likely through Friday.
• 🚗 Officials are advising people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded roadways.