It is expected to be a week of holidays and travel for many, but instead, California is blissfully held in the grip of severe winter storms by atmospheric. However, with this relentless supply of atmospheric rivers that continue to deliver huge amounts of tropical water to California, people are instead caught in a deadly mix of floods and debris flows, and potentially life-threatening mountain snow conditions.
1. Strengthening Storm Systems
Nevertheless, despite the rainfall that has been experienced over the past few days, another extreme weather condition in the form of a storm is approaching, and this means that Christmas in Southern California will be the rainiest in a very long time. This is because Elie Morrison, a meteorologist, indicated that “2 to 5 inches of rain are forecast in some areas, in addition to additional heavier rainfall showers that are headed toward the coast of California through Friday. This comes after a storm hit Wednesday, during which 5-10 inches of rain had fallen in some mountains.”
2. Burn Scar Areas of Greater Danger
“The land burned in January around Eaton, Palisades, and Bridge is still in high threat. Without grass and vegetation to help absorb water from rainfall and runoffs, “There will be a flood on steroids” called Debris Flow. It has been known to carry cars, trees, and even boulders faster than a man and woman can run. Evacuations have occurred in two locations: the land of Lytle Creek in Orange County and Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountain Range due to mudslide destruction of epic proportions.”
3. Response to Emergencies and Evacuations
Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency in the areas which involve over 225 members, 45 fire engines, 10 swift water rescue teams, in addition to helicopters. In regards to a location in Wrightwood, there were people being rescued due to autos in which they were stranded because of the mud choking the roads. This was according to San Bernardino County Fire spokesperson, Shawn Millerick, who said, “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”
4. Power Outages & Infrastructure Delays
Strong gusts of over 90 mph have led to line and tree downing in the San Gabriel Mountains, whereas gusts above 100 mph have triggered a power outage affecting more than 158,800 businesses and residences in California’s Bay Area. Landslides, flooding, and debris flows have resulted in the shutting down of Interstate 5, almost near Burbank, and Interstate 15 North, Cajon Junction.
5. Mountain Snow and Avalanche Danger
There are feet of snow in the Sierra Nevadas, and it is observed that “there are near white-out conditions.” There has been a determination by the Sierra Avalanche Center that “there is a considerable” region of avalanche concern at a rating of 3, but “increased storm intensity is expected to produce high levels of concern.”
There are chain control restrictions on Interstate 80 that passes through Donner Pass to protect against the hazard of layers of snow breaking away in strong winds.
6. Coast and City Floodings
The regions adjacent to Los Angeles may experience floods as there is a possible occurrence of heavyrainfall with speeds of more than 1 inch ofrain per hour. Currently, there is a Flood Warning and High Surf Alert posted for Malibu and Coastal regions due to 5to 9ft surf and potentially life-threatening rip currents.
7. Safety Instructions for Residents
“Persons residing within flooding areas or burn zones are urged to evacuate immediately,” according to official statements. The “National Weather Service has announced that people are advised to either not drive, ride, or walk through areas of flooding,” according to City Storm Water Department of San Diego’s announcement. In attempts to prepare for possible floods, the City Storm Water Department of San Diego has cleared more than 46,000 storm drains. Ways for citizens to prepare for floods would be to utilize sand bags and trash can lids, and remove obstructions found within curbs.
8. Management of Anxieties
Associated with DisasterStorm warnings and damaged area observations would be an element within this process for psychologists. In attempts to deal with these worries for all individuals involved, it would be suggested to focus efforts on what can and needs to be done and focus efforts on tasks of hurricane kits preparation and staying informed of all changes via official announcements and staying in contact with family members. Avoiding “traumatic media and practicing grounding techniques through deep breathing exercises may also help residents view shelter solution actions objectively.”
9. Disruptions of Journeys in Peak Holiday Week
AAA expects Southern California to have 8.9 million people travel at least 50 miles out of home during this holiday peak travel week. However, roads that do offer routes have been blocked and considered dangerous by officials. The CHP states that travelers can “slow down and turn headlights on during rain conditions.” Ofeliah Orellana asked Ofc. Salvador Castro for his recommendations for safety during these conditions.
He jokingly answered again and said, “Sixty-five mph speed for perfect San Diego weather. Not for raining.” These storms caused by multiple Atmospheric River systems, according to meteorologists, would continue through this Friday with forecasted conditions of unsettled weather and threats from flooding, debris flow, and avalanches being anticipated to continue.
