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The first wave of a “very dangerous’” atmospheric river storm started to dump rain on Los Angeles and Orange counties in the early morning hours today and is expected to continue through Christmas and into the weekend.
By 2 p.m., Long Beach had already seen 1.5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, but there were no immediate reports of widespread flooding.
High surf and flood alerts have been issued throughout the region, particularly low-lying areas such as the Peninsula, Belmont Shore and streets throughout the city that have poor drainage.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency, unlocking resources and state assistance for Los Angeles County, Orange County and four others.
“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms,” Newsom said in a statement.
The emergency proclamation allows for the rapid mobilization of state resources and support for local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the deployment of the California National Guard, if needed.
The order also authorizes the California Department of Transportation to seek federal assistance for repairs to damaged roads and highways.
Newsom’s office said state agencies deployed 55 fire engines, 10 swift water rescue teams, five hand crews, five dozers, four loaders, three helicopters and an incident management team, as well as an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and more than 300 personnel to support local response efforts.
Travel is expected to be treacherous, and given that it’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Thursday, public safety officials are on high alert and urging residents to rethink travel plans.
”The combination of increasingly saturated soil and the strong winds will bring the potential for widespread downed trees and power lines, especially in areas under a High Wind Warning,” the National Weather Service reported.
Long Beach fire officials on Wednesday responded to over a dozen calls of power lines down or arcing, and one report of flooding near Cedar Avenue and West Third Street.
NWS meteorologist Ariel Cohen said Tuesday that, with as much total rain as expected, “widespread significant flooding will likely occur in urban and poor drainage areas.
“If you’re planning to be out on the roads during the Christmas holiday, please reconsider your plans,” the NWS said. “By the time we get to late Wednesday through Friday, many areas will likely be experiencing significant flooding.”
Los Angeles city and county officials issued a series of evacuation warnings and orders in advance of the storm, a “Pineapple Express’” event that is picking up excessive moisture as it moves across the Pacific Ocean and makes landfall.
Sand bags are available locally at the following locations:
Residents can check the evacuation status of their neighborhoods here.
