SoCal Drenched by Powerful Winter Storm: Rain, Flooding, and Evacuations

Storm Impact and Rainfall Totals

• 🌧️ A powerful storm began impacting Southern California on Christmas Eve, with intense rainfall intensifying since the early morning hours.
• 📍 Areas like Bakersfield, Frasier Park, Santa Clarita, and the San Fernando Valley have experienced significant rainfall, with Hawthorne, Downey, and Long Beach also affected.
• 📊 Rainfall totals in the last 6 hours show San Bernardino accumulating nearly 2 inches, Sus similarly, Aladena about 1.5 inches, and Long Beach half an inch.

Storm Waves and Snow Levels

• 🌊 The storm is expected to hit in three waves: the first ongoing, the second arriving tomorrow afternoon and lasting through the night, and a third on Friday with lighter, on-and-off showers.
• ⛰️ Mountain areas could see upwards of 10 inches of rain, while valleys and coastlines are expected to receive 3 to 6 inches, potentially more.
• ❄️ Snow levels are dropping: to 8,500 ft today, 7,000 ft by Christmas Day, and down to 6,000 ft by Friday, impacting areas like Big Bear and Wrightwood.

Debris Flow and Evacuations

• ⚠️ Heavy debris flow and flooding have been reported in Wrightwood, making Highway 2 impassable and leading to evacuations.
• 🏡 In Altadena, near the Eaton Fire burn zone, several feet of mud have come down, raising concerns about falling trees and unstable hillsides, with mandatory evacuation orders for over 120 homes.
• 🚨 Mandatory evacuations are also in effect for wildfire-damaged areas in Orange County, including Trabuco Canyon Creek, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs, due to the risk of flash flooding and dangerous debris flows.

Travel Advisories and Safety

• 🚗 PCH in Malibu is experiencing high winds and rain, with Topanga Canyon Boulevard closed through Friday due to potential debris flow.
• ⚠️ Drivers are warned of slick roads, low visibility, and the danger of debris flow, with advice to stay home if possible and remain put once reaching a destination.
• 📱 Residents are urged to stay safe, stay dry, and stay off the roads if possible, with resources available on air, online, and via the Fox 11 weather app for storm tracking and emergency alerts.