A powerful storm system has unleashed relentless winds, rain, and snowfall across California, causing significant disruption and danger. While the storm is expected to ease on December 15, 2023, risks remain, including flash flooding near Los Angeles and potential avalanches in the Sierra Nevada region.
Warnings have been issued for high surf along the coast, with waves in the San Francisco Bay Area reaching up to **25 feet (7.6 meters)**. Residents in Wrightwood, a mountain town located approximately **80 miles (130 kilometers)** northeast of Los Angeles, are being advised to prepare for possible evacuations due to mudslides.
Atmospheric rivers have transported large amounts of moisture from the tropics, contributing to one of the wettest Christmas seasons in **54 years** for downtown Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. The storms have already resulted in at least two fatalities earlier this week.
In Wrightwood, roads have been obstructed by rocks, debris, and thick mud as of Thursday. The area is experiencing power outages, with local businesses such as a gas station and a coffee shop operating on generators to serve residents and visitors. Jill Jenkins, a local resident, described the situation as “really a crazy Christmas,” as she spent the holiday with her **13-year-old grandson**, Hunter Lopiccolo. The family nearly evacuated after losing a portion of their backyard to flooding but ultimately decided to stay and celebrate. “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” Lopiccolo said.
Efforts to rescue animals have also been part of the community response. Davey Schneider navigated **1.5 miles (1.6 kilometers)** through flooded areas from his home to help save cats from his grandfather’s house. “I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” he explained, relieved to report that all the cats survived.
While some residents were fortunate to escape damage, the situation remains precarious. Arlene Corte noted that although roads in the town have transformed into rivers, her house remained intact. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she commented.
With forecasts predicting more rain, over **150 firefighters** are stationed in the area, according to San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Shawn Millerick. “We’re ready,” he stated. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”
Tragedy struck when a falling tree resulted in the death of a man in San Diego on December 13, and a sheriff’s deputy in Sacramento lost his life in a weather-related crash. Coastal areas, including Malibu, remain under a flood watch, and wind and flood advisories are in effect for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
During this period, Southern California typically receives **0.5 to 1 inch (1.3-2.5 centimeters)** of rain, but this week many areas are expected to accumulate between **4 and 8 inches (10 and 20 centimeters)**, with even higher totals in mountainous regions. Meteorologist Mike Wofford reported that increased wind and heavy snowfall are anticipated in the Sierra Nevada, where conditions have created “near white-out conditions,” complicating travel.
In response to the severe weather, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in six counties, facilitating state assistance. Resources and first responders have been deployed to several coastal and southern California areas, with the California National Guard on standby to assist in any further emergencies.
