A powerful atmospheric river storm that has been wreaking havoc in California for several days is finally beginning to subside in Los Angeles. However, authorities are cautioning that even minimal additional rainfall could trigger landslides in the rain-soaked Southern California region.
Between Sunday and Tuesday morning, the storm brought unprecedented amounts of rainfall to the Los Angeles area, forcing millions of residents to stay home and seek shelter from potential hazards. Los Angeles officials reported over 475 mudslides and more than 35 damaged structures, with more than a dozen buildings deemed unsafe for habitation. The intensity of the storm worsened in Southern California, leading to precipitation in Orange, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties. The National Weather Service issued warnings of potential flash floods in areas such as Anaheim, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana.
Elizabeth Adams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, revealed that the storm unleashed up to a third of the annual rainfall for the year in less than 48 hours in parts of Orange County. While the rain is not expected to taper off until the weekend, another storm system is forecasted to move into the region on Wednesday.
Despite the weakening storm in Los Angeles, meteorologists are forecasting continued showers through the evening, with the potential for occasional rain on Wednesday as well. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, emphasized that the saturated ground poses a significant risk, cautioning residents to remain vigilant.
The storm triggered numerous rescues across Southern California, with dozens of individuals needing to be rescued from floodwaters and the ocean. However, officials noted that the region did not experience the worst-case flooding anticipated. Instead, there have been numerous incidents of damage, including sinkholes, downed trees, and areas of erosion. Firefighters evacuated 16 people in Studio City after two homes sustained significant debris damage.
As residents cautiously venture back into their daily routines, officials are urging continued caution due to the high probability of landslides, mudslides, and other forms of debris flows. Meanwhile, Northern California is still reeling from the damage inflicted by heavy winds, causing widespread power outages and resulting in six fatalities.
In a news briefing, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles revealed that President Biden had reached out to offer federal assistance. The president commended the city’s efforts and assured that aid would be provided upon request.
This recent storm stands as one of the wettest to hit the greater Los Angeles area in recorded history, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing preparedness and vigilance in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.