A powerful storm system has unleashed severe weather across California, bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, and significant snowfall. While conditions were expected to improve by Friday, December 29, 2023, risks of flash flooding, high surf, and avalanches remained imminent, particularly in the Sierra Nevada and coastal areas.
Coastal waves near the San Francisco Bay Area were predicted to reach heights of up to **25 feet** (7.6 meters) on Friday, prompting warnings for residents. The National Weather Service indicated that parts of southern California face potential flooding, with the Lake Tahoe region particularly vulnerable to avalanches. Authorities in Wrightwood, approximately **80 miles** (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, advised residents to prepare for possible evacuation due to mudslide threats.
The storms, attributed to atmospheric rivers carrying moisture from tropical regions, have resulted in the wettest Christmas season in **54 years** for downtown Los Angeles. Earlier this week, the severe weather was linked to at least two fatalities. Roads in Wrightwood, a community of **5,000 residents**, were reported obstructed by rocks, debris, and thick mud, complicating travel and emergency response efforts.
Local businesses, including a gas station and coffee shop operating on generators, have become vital gathering points for residents. Jill Jenkins, who is spending the holiday with her grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo, reflected on the chaotic circumstances: “It’s really a crazy Christmas.” The family nearly evacuated when a section of their backyard was washed away, but ultimately decided to stay and celebrate the holiday together.
In a dramatic rescue effort, Davey Schneider trekked **1.5 miles** (1.6 kilometers) through flooded conditions to save cats from his grandfather’s home, expressing relief that all the animals survived. Community member Arlene Corte noted that while roads were transformed into rivers, her property remained unscathed. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she stated.
As heavy rain continued, **more than 150 firefighters** were deployed to the Wrightwood area, according to Shawn Millerick, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. “We’re ready,” he affirmed, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Tragically, a **San Diego man** died when a tree fell during the storm, and a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy lost his life in a weather-related vehicle accident. Flood watches were in effect for coastal areas, including Malibu, as wind and flood advisories spread across much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Typically, southern California receives only **0.5 to 1 inch** (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain during this time of year. However, meteorologists projected that some areas could experience between **4 and 8 inches** (10 to 20 centimeters) of rainfall, with even higher totals in mountainous regions. Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, warned of “near white-out conditions” due to gusting winds and heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, making travel particularly hazardous.
In response to the ongoing emergency, California Governor **Gavin Newsom** declared a state of emergency in six counties, enabling the rapid deployment of state resources and support. First responders and the California National Guard are on standby as the state continues to address the impacts of this severe weather system.
