California Storms: More Rain, Mudslide Risk Continues

California is bracing for more severe weather during the holiday season, with additional rain and potential thunderstorms expected Christmas Day following a powerful winter storm. The state is facing possible mudslides, debris flows, and flooding, and has seen two weather-related deaths.

California Faces Further Flood Risk

A flood watch is in effect through Friday along the California coast from the Oregon border to Los Angeles and in central California. CBS News weather producer Elie Morrison says additional on-and-off heavy downpours moving onto the California coast through Friday could result in an additional 2 to 5 inches of rain.

Forecasters predict Southern California could experience its wettest Christmas in years, warning of flash flooding and mudslides. Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas scorched by January wildfires, as heavy rains and gusty winds increase the risk of mudslides and debris flows. Many flood-prone areas are in burn scar zones, which are particularly vulnerable due to the loss of vegetation.

A mudslide was witnessed early Thursday in Altadena, a community previously impacted by fires. In San Bernardino County, firefighters rescued people trapped in cars when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood. Firefighters also conducted door-to-door checks, and the area was under a shelter-in-place order, with some homes inundated by flood waters.

Evacuation orders were issued for Lytle Creek, also in the San Gabriel Mountains, and residents around burn scar zones from the Airport Fire in Orange County. Waymo’s self-driving taxi service was temporarily suspended in the Bay Area due to flash flooding but later resumed. Approximately 158,000 homes and businesses statewide were without power overnight, according to Find Energy.

The storms are attributed to multiple atmospheric rivers carrying significant moisture from the tropics. Several roads, including a portion of Interstate 5 near the Burbank Airport, have been closed due to flooding. A Sacramento sheriff’s deputy, James Caravallo, died in a weather-related crash south of Sacramento after losing control on a wet road. In San Diego, a man was killed by a falling tree branch.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in six counties and deployed emergency resources. The California National Guard is on standby.