A rare “high risk” of flooding has prompted evacuations in Southern California as a powerful atmospheric river storm approaches, following deadly floods that struck Northern California over the weekend and left at least one person dead. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 4 “high risk” warning for excessive rainfall and flash flooding in parts of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara counties, effective for Christmas Eve. This designation, which accounts for only about 4% of days annually but is responsible for over 80% of flood-related damages, signals the potential for life-threatening conditions. Evacuation orders and warnings are already in place for hundreds of properties, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires where the risk of mudslides and debris flows is heightened. Officials are urging residents to take immediate protective actions as the storm system, dubbed the “Pineapple Express” for its origins near Hawaii, is expected to arrive Tuesday night and intensify through Wednesday.
In Los Angeles County, authorities have released interactive maps detailing evacuation zones, with warnings covering the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas from Tuesday morning through Thursday evening. Sheriff’s deputies are going door-to-door to alert residents in vulnerable locations, while the Los Angeles Fire Department has increased staffing in anticipation of water rescues. Preparations include the deployment of sandbags, k-rails, and tarps to mitigate potential damage, with sandbags available at all fire stations. Residents in communities like Malibu and Calabasas are bracing for possible road closures and isolation during the holiday period.
The impending storm comes on the heels of devastating floods in Northern California, where an earlier atmospheric river event over the weekend caused widespread inundation. In Redding, Shasta County, nearly a month’s worth of rain fell in two days, leading to flooded roadways, stranded motorists, and at least one fatality from a vehicle submerged in floodwaters. Rescue operations were conducted in multiple counties, including Humboldt and Placer, where homes were evacuated and roadways washed out. These incidents underscore the severe impact of the ongoing storm pattern across the state.
Forecasters predict that the new atmospheric river could drop 4 to 8 inches of rain in coastal and valley areas of Southern California, with up to 12 inches in foothills and mountains—equivalent to several months’ worth of precipitation in just days. The combination of intense rainfall and dry, fire-ravaged soil in burn scars creates a perfect storm for debris flows, which can move at high speeds and cause significant destruction. Areas affected by the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, and Kenneth fires are specifically highlighted as at-risk, with communities like Burbank, Altadena, and Santa Clarita in the crosshairs.
State and local officials are coordinating response efforts, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasizing that resources are ready and urging residents to sign up for emergency alerts. In addition to flooding, the storms are expected to bring strong winds that could lead to power outages, as well as heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada, complicating travel and recovery operations. The consecutive nature of these storms, with another expected later in the week, means that conditions may not improve until the upcoming weekend, prolonging the emergency.
Residents in evacuation zones are taking precautions, such as securing properties and preparing for potential displacement during Christmas. Stories from individuals like Mooler Ang in Altadena, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire and is now living in an RV on his property, highlight the personal toll of back-to-back disasters. Meanwhile, universities like Pepperdine are implementing protective measures on campus, and businesses are anticipating disruptions during what is typically a busy holiday season.
The broader implications of this event include strain on emergency services, economic impacts from damaged infrastructure and lost tourism, and heightened awareness of climate change’s role in intensifying weather patterns. As California faces an increasingly volatile climate, such events may become more frequent, necessitating improved resilience and preparedness strategies. For now, the focus remains on ensuring public safety as the storm makes landfall.
Looking ahead, meteorologists will monitor the storm’s progression and provide updates, while officials assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, avoid non-essential travel, and heed evacuation orders to minimize risk during this critical period.
