In brief
A powerful atmospheric river has unleashed torrential rain in Southern California, prompting mandatory evacuation orders in high-risk areas affected by recent wildfires. The National Weather Service reported rainfall rates of up to an inch per hour and warned of potential flash flooding. Evacuation warnings remain in place for vulnerable regions.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An unusually strong storm system known as an atmospheric river has severely impacted Southern California, particularly on Saturday when flood warnings were issued for coastal Los Angeles County, which has recently experienced devastating wildfires. The National Weather Service reported that regions susceptible to flash flooding could see rain rates reaching up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour.As the storm approached Los Angeles on Friday, over four inches of rain fell in coastal Santa Barbara County, prompting officials to advise residents to stay indoors due to the heavy winds accompanying the downpour.This atmospheric phenomenon, which is essentially a long plume of tropical moisture originating from the Pacific Ocean, began affecting the San Francisco Bay Area earlier in the week before moving southward. Forecasts predict substantial snowfall for parts of the Sierra Nevada, with more than a foot expected as the storm continues.Flood warnings have been issued across multiple counties, including from the Ventura County coast through Malibu and into the city of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has communicated that evacuation warnings are currently in effect around burn scar areas due to the risk of debris flows. Mandatory evacuation orders have also been placed for specific high-risk properties in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas, with law enforcement set to assist in evacuations until Sunday morning.
