California storm: Evacuations and warnings of devastating floods
California is facing a critical weather situation as a powerful winter storm struck large parts of the state Tuesday evening, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents from their homes amid growing fears of natural disasters. These rapidly unfolding events are casting a shadow over Christmas celebrations, with forecasts predicting widespread flooding and significant disruptions to travel and transportation.
Strict weather 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 regions to "exercise extreme caution," as the storm is expected to bring winds of up to 88 kilometers per hour, increasing the risk of downed trees and power outages.
In a statement reflecting the seriousness of the situation, meteorologist Ariel Cohen addressed a direct message to the residents of Los Angeles and the state in general, advising them to reconsider their holiday travel plans, saying: "By Wednesday night into Friday, many areas will likely have experienced significant flooding, rockslides, and mudslides, especially in the highlands and along roads that pass through valleys.".
Risk of mudslides in fire zones
This storm is doubly dangerous due to the environmental context California experienced in 2025. The state suffered devastating wildfires that claimed 31 lives and burned more than 212,551 hectares. Experts point out that areas affected by the fires, such as the Pacific Palisades and those impacted by the January fires, have undergone changes in soil properties that render them unable to absorb rainwater, turning them into rapids for flash floods and mudslides laden with debris.
In response to these risks, authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 200 homes in Los Angeles and raised the alert level to maximum in anticipation of mudflows that could threaten lives and property in the sloping and residential areas near the fire damage.
Snow accumulation and infrastructure impacts
Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the state's eastern border is experiencing heavy snowfall, with accumulations reaching approximately 30 centimeters at the start of the week and expected to reach 152 centimeters before the storm subsides. This significant accumulation, while beneficial for future water reserves, currently poses a hazard to mountain roads and isolates some remote areas.
Officials warned that the saturation of the soil with continuous rainfall, which could reach 30.5 centimeters in the south, coupled with strong winds, will inevitably lead to the collapse of power poles and trees, potentially causing widespread disruptions to essential services and hindering emergency teams from carrying out their duties.
