Southern California braces as powerful winter storms threaten up to 8in of rain

"California's governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles. With atmospheric rivers, intense rainfall, and strong winds ahead, I'm declaring a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties to activate emergency authorities and preposition resources to keep our communities safe, Newsom said in a post on X."

"The San Bernardino county sheriff's department also issued an evacuation warning on Wednesday morning for the community of Wrightwood, a mountain resort town in the San Gabriel Mountains about 80 miles (130km) north-east of Los Angeles, due to potential mud and debris flows from the storm. Debris and mud flow was seen rushing down the road leading into Wrightwood in a social media video posted by county fire officials. Crews were working to evacuate some homes, the post said."

"Areas scorched by January's wildfires were under evacuation warnings, and Los Angeles county officials said on Tuesday they were going door to door to about 380 especially vulnerable homes, ordering residents to evacuate because of the risk of landslides and debris flows. Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under flood warnings on Wednesday, local officials said. Parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties were also preparing for potential flooding."

A powerful winter storm produced heavy rain, gusty winds, and near white-out mountain snow across California, prompting hazardous travel for millions of holiday drivers. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in multiple counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta, to activate emergency authorities and preposition resources. Areas scorched by earlier wildfires faced evacuation warnings, with Los Angeles county officials going door to door to roughly 380 vulnerable homes. The San Bernardino sheriff's office warned Wrightwood of potential mud and debris flows after video showed debris rushing down a road. Coastal areas including Malibu, plus parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, faced flood warnings or preparations for flooding.

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