A storm brings much-needed rain to California—and possible new threats
A storm brings much-needed rain to California—and possible new threats
A second day of much-needed rain fell across dry California on Tuesday. The state has had a drought for nearly three years. While the latest storm brings more water to the parched state, it also brings possible new dangers, including flooding and mudslides in communities already damaged by wildfires.
Forecasters predicted scattered showers on Wednesday for Southern California, where the heaviest rains fell a day earlier. Inland areas east of Los Angeles were expected to see the strongest downpours. Flash flood watches were extended for wildfire burn areas.
In Camarillo Springs, gushing water and muddy debris began pouring from hillsides on Tuesday. About 75 homes were forced to evacuate. The order was lifted around 6 p.m., but authorities urged people to stay away voluntarily.
In Ventura County, large bulldozers moved rocks and debris from storm water channels. A mudslide that occurred in the same area on Halloween buried one home in mud 3 feet deep.
"It's coming down pretty good," said Ventura County Fire Captain Scott Dettorre. "We are in a heightened state of readiness."
Widespread Problems
On Tuesday, downtown Los Angeles saw its wettest December 2 on record with 1.15 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). More than 2 inches fell on Santa Barbara. Totals of around an inch set daily records in Oxnard and at airports in Los Angeles, Camarillo, Long Beach, Lancaster, and Palmdale.
In Northern California, nearly 1 1/2 inches fell on San Francisco. The city’s cable cars had to be shut down. Cars and trucks were stuck in traffic jams and flights were delayed in cities around the state.
California's long drought has left the Sierra Nevada snowpack—which counts for most of the state's water supply—at just 24%of normal for this time of year. Los Angeles, like many communities, has had less than half of the usual rain in 2014.
More to Come
In Orange County, about 60 homes in rural Silverado Canyon were under a voluntary evacuation notice. The area burned over the summer and has been the site of previous mudslides. Residents worked together to evacuate large animals, and those who chose not to leave gathered in the tiny town's cafe to wait out the rain and keep warm.
"We have to take this seriously because we don't know what's going to happen," said longtime resident Connie Nelson. "We'll just deal with it as it comes. We take care of people up here."
The NWS said up to 6 inches of rain was possible in some areas by the time the storm ends on Thursday. But it would take many more similar storms to help California out of its drought.