A massive atmospheric river dubbed the "pineapple express" has slammed Southern California with life-threatening conditions during the holiday season, prompting urgent evacuations and raising fears of catastrophic flooding and mudslides across the region.
The storm has already claimed at least three lives as of Christmas night, according to local authorities. Heavy rains are expected to continue through Friday, transforming what should have been a festive holiday week into a dangerous emergency situation.
Unprecedented Rainfall Threatens Millions
Coastal and valley areas are bracing for 4 to 6 inches of rain, while foothills and mountains could see up to 10 inches or more.
The National Weather Service has issued a rare high-risk flood alert affecting more than 7 million residents across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara counties. Such alerts are uncommon but often signal major damage and widespread disruptions ahead.
Ariel Cohen, who leads the National Weather Service in the Los Angeles and Oxnard areas, emphasized the storm's severity. A weather event of this magnitude occurs only once every five to 10 years in Southern California, making preparation critical.
Burn Scar Areas Face Highest Risk
Recent wildfire zones present the greatest danger, as scorched terrain lacks vegetation to absorb the deluge.
Nearly 400 properties in burn scar areas are under mandatory evacuation orders in L.A. County that took effect Tuesday at 11 a.m. Law enforcement and emergency personnel have contacted affected residents directly, leaving flyers for those not home.
This incident recalls similar extreme weather events that have increasingly challenged communities across the United States. Mark Pestrella, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Works, stressed that evacuation recommendations are "based on technical science, forecasting of the current weather event and our best estimate for who would be most vulnerable."
Dangerous Conditions Persist Through Christmas
Rain intensified Tuesday evening and continued through Wednesday, with the storm's peak timing coinciding with holiday travel.
Emergency crews conducted dramatic rescues in Wrightwood, a mountain resort community in the San Gabriel Mountains. Helicopters lifted residents from rooftops as flooded cars and fast-moving water created hazardous conditions. Approximately 120 emergency personnel worked through the night.
Highway 2 was closed after heavy flooding and debris flows blocked access. The timing of the storm during a holiday week amplifies concerns, as more people are expected on roadways.
Wind Gusts Add to Storm's Threat
Widespread gusts of 35 to 55 miles per hour are likely across the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Strong winds combined with saturated soil could lead to downed trees and power lines, creating additional hazards. Officials warn residents to watch for traffic signals that may be out and approach darkened intersections as four-way stops.
The National Weather Service outlined potential impacts, including widespread urban flooding, debris flows that could affect areas outside recent burn scars, and infrastructure damage from fallen trees and power lines. These conditions mirror challenges faced in other severe weather events across the nation this year.
Second Wave Expected Christmas Day
Forecasters warn that another atmospheric river system will arrive on Christmas Day, raising the flood risk to Level 3 of 4 for more than 12 million people.
Rainfall rates may again reach 1 inch per hour, which can trigger rapid flash flooding on burn scars, including the areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Los Angeles could experience several months' worth of rainfall in only one week, creating compounding dangers as soils become increasingly saturated.
Cohen urged residents to avoid travel during the storm's peak. "The impacts are going to be potentially much higher with folks on the roadway," he warned. "So what you can do now is plan to not be on the road."
Emergency Alerts and Preparedness
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through systems such as Notify L.A. for Los Angeles City and Ready L.A. County for the broader county area.
Officials emphasize checking weather and road conditions along planned routes, slowing down while driving, and never attempting to drive through standing water. As little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, while two feet can sweep away SUVs and trucks.
For those in L.A. County needing sandbags, they are available at local fire stations. Residents can report flooded roads or downed trees by dialing 311 for L.A. city or calling (800) 675-HELP for L.A. County areas.
The storm serves as a stark reminder of California's vulnerability to extreme weather and the critical importance of heeding evacuation orders when issued.
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