Upcoming Intense Holiday Weather Threatens Already Waterlogged California

Forecasts point to further severe weather conditions looming over California, which is already saturated, heightening concerns about potential mudslides and flows of debris.

Although Southern California is experiencing a decrease in rain from a recent substantial winter storm, predictions indicate that another system could bring showers and possible storms on Christmas Day.

Tragically, severe weather impacts have resulted in two fatalities, as noted by authority figures.

Elis Morrison, a weather producer at CBS News, mentioned to expect 'sporadic intense rainfall along the California coastline through Friday,' potentially accumulating another 2 to 5 inches.

A watch has been issued until Friday spanning from the Oregon border down to Los Angeles, including central regions of California, Morrison highlighted.

Forecasters warn Southern California might experience its dampest Christmas in several years, with alerts for flash floods and landslides. Evacuation notices are in place for zones charred by previous wildfires, as gusts and heavy rain lead to hazardous conditions.

Many regions at risk of flooding correspond to areas stripped bare by fires, rendering them inefficient in water absorption due to the lack of vegetation.

Firefighters in San Bernardino County rescued individuals from their vehicles after mud and debris cascaded down a road leading to Wrightwood, a resort town situated roughly 80 miles from Los Angeles. The total number of rescues remains unspecified.

Crews are actively conducting home checks, and a shelter-in-place advisory is currently active. Moreover, an evacuation has been directed for Lytle Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Critical Developments in Wrightwood Storm Response

Wrightwood's Chamber of Commerce President, Janice Quick, a long-time resident, mentioned that a previous wildfire left the landscape devoid of trees.

Mandatory evacuations affect burn scar areas, such as those from the Airport Fire in Orange County.

Warnings for significant wind and rain apply to large sections of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Across the state, power outages affected approximately 158,000 residential and commercial customers overnight.

Flooding has necessitated the closure of several roads, including a part of Interstate 5 close to the Burbank Airport.

These adverse conditions have emerged from a series of atmospheric rivers channeling vast amounts of tropical moisture during one of the year's peak travel periods.

Weather Predictions and Impact

Customarily, Southern California receives between half an inch to an inch of rain at this time. However, forecasts now suggest that some regions could accumulate 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, with mountains seeing even more, as per meteorologist Mike Wofford from the National Weather Service.

In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snow and strong winds have created dangerous 'near white-out situations.' A significant threat of avalanches is present, especially surrounding Lake Tahoe, leading to a winter storm warning in place till Friday morning.

Governor Gavin Newsom's declaration of a state of emergency spans six counties, mobilizing state resources to bolster storm-related responses.

Emergency teams, including the California National Guard, stand prepared in various coastal and southern counties. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, adverse weather conditions contributed to a fatal accident involving Sacramento Sheriff’s deputy James Caravallo, who lost control of his vehicle in slick conditions.

In San Diego, an unfortunate accident took place when a falling tree branch killed a man right outside his residence.