Historic Storm Causes Devastation in Los Angeles
A storm of unprecedented magnitude hit Los Angeles on Monday, resulting in a deluge of rain that caused mudslides and damage to numerous homes. Homeless individuals living in encampments across the city were also forced to find safety amidst the chaos. The storm, which was the second fueled by an atmospheric river to hit the state in a matter of days, left over one million people without power.
Flash Flood Warnings and Evacuations
Flash flood warnings were issued for approximately 2.5 million people in the Los Angeles area, including prominent neighborhoods like Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills. The National Weather Service reported that up to 9 inches of rain had already fallen, with more expected. This dangerous situation led to the evacuation of 16 residents in Studio City and caused damage to two homes.
Rescue Efforts and Destruction
Rescue crews were busy saving individuals trapped in swift-moving water throughout Southern California. Even homeless people living on a small island in the Santa Ana River had to be evacuated. The storm caused rivers to overflow, carrying mud, rocks, and debris through Studio City, resulting in widespread destruction.
Impact on Residents
Residents like Drake Livingston from the Beverly Crest neighborhood were caught off guard by the flooding. Livingston had to abandon his home and seek refuge at a neighbor’s house. In the morning, he discovered that his car was submerged in several feet of mud. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to avoid driving due to fallen trees and electrical lines on flooded roads.
Ongoing Threats and Record Rainfall
The storm is expected to continue into Tuesday, posing ongoing threats to areas affected by recent wildfires. Over 10 inches of rain has already fallen in the Santa Monica Mountains. On Sunday, downtown Los Angeles experienced a record-breaking 4.1 inches of rain, making it the 10th wettest day on record for the area.
Continuation of Events
Despite the severe weather conditions, the Grammy Awards proceeded as planned at downtown’s Crypto.com Arena. The National Weather Service forecasts up to 8 inches of rainfall in coastal and valley areas, with a possibility of 14 inches in the foothills and mountains over the next two days.
Additional Impact and Rescues
The storm also wreaked havoc in the San Francisco Bay Area, causing flooding, fallen trees, and power outages. A rare “hurricane force wind warning” was issued for the Central Coast. In Yuba City, a man lost his life when a big redwood tree fell on him while he was attempting to clear it. Off the coast of Long Beach, 19 people were rescued from a sailboat that lost its mast.
State of Emergency and Precautions
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for most coastal Southern California counties and ensured that emergency resources were ready. Shelters were opened to accommodate those affected by the storm. While most public schools in Los Angeles remained open, some districts canceled classes. Motorists were advised to avoid mountain roads due to heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada.
Atmospheric Rivers and Drought Relief
The storm was fueled by an atmospheric river, known as a “Pineapple Express” due to its origin near Hawaii. This phenomenon has played a significant role in alleviating California’s yearslong drought. Since last winter, 46 atmospheric rivers have made landfall on the US West Coast, with nine categorized as strong, two as extreme, and one as exceptional.
