Los Angeles declares state of emergency: Catastrophic flooding threatens California
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and much of Southern California in anticipation of a powerful winter storm sweeping across the region. The measures come amid stark warnings from the National Weather Service about torrential rains that could cause catastrophic flooding during the Christmas holiday, putting authorities and residents on high alert.
The “pineapple train” phenomenon and climate risks
The current storm is driven by a weather phenomenon known as the Pineapple Express, an atmospheric current that carries massive amounts of moisture and water vapor from the tropics near the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean directly to the West Coast of the United States. Historically, this phenomenon has been responsible for some of the most powerful storms to hit the West Coast.
Meteorologists indicate that the amount of rain expected to fall over the next few days could equal what usually falls in several months, further complicating the situation in a state that has suffered for years from severe drought, where dry soil is less able to absorb water quickly, thus increasing the risk of flash floods.
Flash floods and a threat to lives
The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings of “life-threatening flash floods” across Southern California, noting that the danger extends beyond water to include heavy snowfall and strong winds in mountainous areas. Meteorologist Ariel Cohen stated that the period through Friday could see “significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides,” particularly in higher elevations and along roads that cross valleys.
Evacuation orders and heightened alert in coastal areas
In response to these threats, the Los Angeles Police Department issued mandatory evacuation orders for more than 200 homes, as well as evacuation warnings covering large neighborhoods. The coastal city of Santa Monica and the Los Angeles Basin were designated as high-risk areas. Coastal areas in Pacific Palisades and Malibu were also placed on high alert.
The warnings in Malibu are particularly important as the area is still recovering from the devastating wildfires that raged last January. It is scientifically known that areas affected by fires (burn scars) are more prone to mudslides because the soil loses its stabilizing vegetation, making heavy rains a significant threat to residents and property.
Immediate effects and disruption to daily life
The storm's effects began to appear Wednesday morning, with winds and rain downing trees and closing several major streets in Los Angeles, as well as leaving thousands without power. Despite the severe weather, some residents attempted to complete their holiday preparations, while many others prioritized safety.
“We decided to stay home,” Jim Lewis told AFP. “We received all these warnings, and the situation doesn’t look safe. I don’t want to drive,” he confirmed, adding that he had cancelled plans to celebrate Christmas Eve with his relatives.
Environmental context and climate change
Scientists link the increasing intensity of these extreme weather events to climate change caused by human activities. As atmospheric and ocean temperatures rise, evaporation rates increase, providing additional fuel for storms and storm surges, making them more intense, destructive, and frequent than in previous decades.
