Southern California Drenched by Holiday Storm: Flood Watch and Dramatic Rescues

Holiday Storm Impacts Southern California

• 🌧️ Southern California is experiencing the third wave of winter storms, with continued wet weather impacting LA and Ventura counties.
• ⚠️ A Flood Watch remains in effect for LA and Ventura counties due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.
• 🌊 Scattered showers are widespread, with heavier rain reported in areas like Glendora, Arcadia, and Walnut, extending to Long Beach and Torrance.

Storm Severity and Accumulation

• 📊 The current storm is the last and final rain event, expected to last through the morning, afternoon, and potentially into the evening hours.
• ⛰️ Foothill and mountain areas could see one to two inches of rain, while most other areas are expected to accumulate less than an inch.
• 📉 Snow levels have dropped to about 6,000 feet, with temperatures in the low 60s along the coast and upper 50s to low 60s inland.

Storm Damage and Incidents

• 🌳 City crews are responding to numerous calls for downed trees, with over 50 reported in the city of LA alone, causing power outages for thousands.
• 💧 Woodland Hills experienced ankle-deep water on sidewalks and a eucalyptus tree came down due to the wind and rain.
• ⚡ Some residents experienced power outages, with the sound of breaking wood accompanying the strong winds.

Dramatic Rescue on Highway 80

• 🚗 On Christmas Eve morning in Fresno, good Samaritans rescued a driver trapped in a flipped-over car on Highway 80.
• 🤝 Witnesses, including a driver with a dash cam, worked together to flip the car upright and pull the trapped individual to safety.
• ⚠️ Heavy rain in the Fresno area contributed to dangerous driving conditions, though the cause of the crash was not specified.

Weather Outlook and Safety

• ☔ The rain is expected to lighten up throughout the day, with more showers possible into the night.
• 🚗 Drivers are advised to take their time and slow down due to wet roads and hazardous conditions.
• 💻 Further information on evacuation centers and storm tracking is available on foxla.com.