California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County along with Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties as the storm intensified. The declaration enables local authorities to mobilize resources quickly as communities brace for flash flooding, mudslides and dangerous debris flows.
Meteorologists said the storm system has delivered sustained rainfall across coastal and inland areas, while higher elevations experienced significant snowfall. Forecasters cautioned that the risk is particularly high in regions still recovering from last January’s devastating wildfires, where scorched hillsides are more vulnerable to landslides and runoff.
The severe weather has already turned deadly. At least one person was killed in an apparent weather-related crash in Sacramento County amid heavy rain, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities did not immediately release further details but urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise extreme caution on rain-soaked roads.
Emergency services across the affected counties remain on high alert as the storm continues to batter the state. Officials emphasized that rapidly changing conditions could worsen flooding and debris flows, especially in low-lying areas and near burn scars.
As southern California confronts the immediate impacts of the storm, authorities are stressing preparedness and vigilance. The event underscores the growing challenges posed by extreme winter weather and its ability to compound existing environmental risks, leaving communities vulnerable during what is typically a season of celebration.
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