Powerful Storm System Drenches California, Leaving Destruction in Its Wake
Story highlights
At least three killed in California
Flash flooding threat expands to parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah
Neighborhoods slammed by flooding and mudslides
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared an emergency Monday
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A powerful storm system has drenched parts of California, leading to at least three deaths and causing widespread devastation. The heavy rain and snow triggered dangerous mudslides and flooding, leaving neighborhoods in ruin. Here are the latest updates:
More Rain and Snow
More rain and snow: Showers and intermittent heavy rain are expected to continue in Southern California through Tuesday. Valley areas may see an additional inch of rain, while the foothills can expect 1 to 3 inches. Some parts of Los Angeles County have already experienced nearly a foot of rain since Sunday. As the storm expands east, western Arizona, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah face a higher risk of flash flooding. The areas have been put under a Level 2 out of 4 risk of excessive rainfall by the Weather Prediction Center.
More than 300 Mudslides and Two Dozen Buildings Damaged in Los Angeles
California’s recent storm unleashed havoc across Southern California. Streets turned into cascading rivers, swallowing cars and debris and leaving countless individuals and animals stranded.
Residents in Studio City, Los Angeles, witnessed violent mudslides, causing severe damage to homes and blocking entire streets. Although some areas managed to escape major damage, the risk of more floods and mudslides remains, making extreme caution necessary for everyone venturing outside.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a state of emergency, and the Los Angeles Fire Department has reported over 300 mudslides and debris flows in the city. Assessments have shown damage to 35 structures, with 5 deemed unsafe for re-entry. Crews are working diligently to remove debris and repair affected roads.
The storm also resulted in the loss of at least three lives, with falling trees being the cause of all three fatalities. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph added to the dangers.
Snow Makes Travel Next to Impossible
Snow makes travel next to impossible: California’s storm system brought heavy snowfall, blanketing the Sierra Nevada and Southern California’s mountain ranges. Travel conditions in high elevations are described as “near impossible.” The snow and strong winds are expected to persist in the southern Sierra Nevada and central Nevada mountains into Tuesday night. The heavy snowfall is foreseen to spread inland, reaching higher elevations in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico throughout the week.
Thousands Still Without Power
The storm left approximately 140,000 customers without power across California. Particularly affected were the northern and coastal regions, where violent winds brought down numerous trees and power lines over the weekend.
This aerial view shows a home destroyed at the bottom of a landslide in Los Angeles.
CNN’s Taylor Ward, Taylor Romine, Robert Shackelford, and Stephanie Elam contributed to this report.
