Torrential rains caused flooding sudden in southern California and more rain showers are forecast for this Thursday during the passage of one of the worst Christmas storms in the regionwhere authorities warn of gradual fires in areas that suffered fires.
Powered by an atmospheric river known as the “Piña Express”, which transports abundant moisture from Hawaii to the west coastthe storm could dump several months’ worth of rain in the coming days.
“A very humid draft will bring heavy rain to California on Thursday,” including Los Angeles, the second city in the United Statesindicated the National Weather Service (NWS).
It warned that there is a “moderate risk” of excessive rainfall over parts of Southern California from Thursday to Friday morning and that “numerous flash floods are possible,” with the risk of carrying debris, especially in areas where wildfires have destroyed vegetation and weakened soils.
Authorities declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles.
On Wednesday there were heavy rains, up to 25.4 cm in some areas of Southern California, causing flooding and debris flows.
The Los Angeles Times reported that at least three people had died in incidents related to the storm, including a San Diego man who was killed by a falling tree.
In San Bernardino County, adjacent to Los Angeles, authorities told AFP they were working Thursday to divert flood water.
The county’s fire department went to the town of Wrightwood to help people “get out of their homes” or who were “stranded in their vehicles,” said spokesman Christopher Prater.
Under special alert are the Pacific Palisades and Malibu regions on the coast, which are trying to recover after being devastated by the deadly fires in January.
“Flooding could include debris flows in or near recently burned areas,” the NWS bulletin added.
