California storm: Hundreds evacuated and warnings of devastating floods

A powerful winter storm hit the US state of California on Tuesday evening, prompting immediate evacuations of hundreds in the most vulnerable areas, amid official warnings of potentially devastating floods and widespread travel disruptions coinciding with the Christmas holiday.

Weather details and official warnings

The National Weather Service issued an urgent statement warning that the storm's effects would continue through Friday, citing a dangerous combination of heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. The agency urged residents in the northern, central, and southern parts of the state to take extreme precautions.

In press statements, meteorologist Ariel Cohen issued a warning to residents of Los Angeles and the state in general, advising them to reconsider their holiday travel plans, as roads are expected to experience extremely dangerous conditions.

Record rainfall and snowfall

Climate forecasts indicate that the storm will bring massive amounts of rain and snow:

• Rainfall: Some areas of Southern California may see up to 30.5 centimeters of rain, raising water levels in valleys and low-lying areas.
• Snow: In the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the eastern border, 30 centimeters of snow fell, and accumulations are expected to reach about 152 centimeters before the storm subsides.
• Winds: The storm is accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour, increasing the risk of trees and power poles falling.

Risk of mudslides in fire zones

This low-pressure system comes at a critical time for California, which suffered a devastating wildfire season in 2025. According to state officials, 31 people died that year as a result of 8,019 wildfires that burned more than 212,551 hectares. Areas affected by the fires, such as the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, are considered to be at high risk of mudslides.

Los Angeles County officials explained that the soil in the fire-affected areas is losing its ability to absorb water, turning heavy rainfall into torrents of ash, debris, and rock, posing a direct threat to life and property. Consequently, evacuation orders were issued for more than 200 homes, and the highest level of alert was declared in most parts of the county.

Expected impacts on infrastructure

Meteorologists warned that the waterlogged soil, combined with high winds, would inevitably lead to widespread tree falls and damage to power grids, potentially leaving thousands of homes without electricity in the freezing cold. Emergency teams and law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to monitor the situation and respond to reports, while surveillance has been intensified on mountain roads and valleys prone to sudden landslides.