A powerful storm struck the US state of California on Tuesday evening, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents in the hardest-hit areas, amid official warnings of widespread flooding and significant travel disruptions coinciding with the Christmas holiday. These developments come as authorities declared a state of high alert to prepare for the storm's impact on most parts of the state.
Strict warnings and harsh weather forecasts
The National Weather Service issued an urgent warning of continued heavy rain, snow, and strong winds through Friday. The agency urged residents in northern, central, and southern California to "exercise extreme caution." Los Angeles meteorologist Ariel Cohen issued a warning to residents, saying, "If you are planning to travel during the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans," citing the high risks for travelers on highways and in mountainous areas.
The nightmare of mudslides in fire zones
Concerns are particularly high in areas recently ravaged by wildfires, where officials explained that the soil, known as "burn scar" soil, loses its ability to absorb water, making it vulnerable to mudflows and landslides once heavy rains arrive. State officials reported that 2025 was a particularly brutal year, with 31 people killed by more than 8,000 wildfires that burned over 212,000 hectares. Los Angeles County authorities confirmed that areas affected by the January fires remain at high risk of mudflows and debris flows, prompting immediate evacuation orders for more than 200 homes.
Snow and wind: additional risks
In addition to the rain, the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the state's eastern border is experiencing heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching approximately 30 centimeters and forecasts predicting record-breaking levels of nearly 152 centimeters before the storm subsides. These conditions are accompanied by strong winds that could reach speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour. Experts warn that the combination of saturated soil and high winds significantly increases the likelihood of trees and power lines being downed, threatening widespread power outages and posing a real risk to lives and property.
Storm effects on the holiday season
This storm is particularly significant given its timing with the holiday season, a time when the state typically experiences heavy travel. The severe weather is expected to cause traffic disruptions on roads passing through valleys and mountainous areas, as well as the cancellation or delay of numerous flights. Emergency and rescue teams are working around the clock to respond to any reports, while a state of alert has been declared across most of Los Angeles County in anticipation of any emergencies that may arise from the continued rainfall, which could exceed 30 centimeters in some southern areas.
