A powerful new storm sailed ashore causing more flooding and mudslides
- Four major storms coming from the northern Pacific have struck California, with the 5th expected to hit the region on Thursday.
- Up to a total of 50cm (20 inches) of rain in the worst affected areas
- Snow
- 6.5 m (20-foot) surf
- 100 km/h (60 mph) winds in the coastal areas
- Tornadoes
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The Wednesday storm was expected to dump up to 2 inches (5cm) of rain in the L.A. basin and valley areas and at least 4 inches in foothill and mountain areas, and causing yet more devastating land slides, the National Weather Service said.
Officials are particularly concerned about large areas of hillside in southern California consumed by wildfires in 2009, which could cause massive mudslides as there’s no longer any foliage to prevent the earth from sliding downhill.
Meanwhile, a snow storm forced the California Highway Patrol to close Interstate 5 at the Grapevine, although the Cajon Pass remained open, a report said.
The Los Angeles Police Department has issued more evacuation orders in the northeastern San Fernando Valley, fearing more mudslides in the area.
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Up to 1,000 homes in the Los Angeles area have already been evacuated in anticipation of mudslides.
“We’re about as ready for the rains that will be coming as we can be,” said LA Mayor Villaraigosa. “If you don’t have to be on the road, why don’t you stay home?”
“We’re asking you to please cooperate,” Mayor Villaraigosa added. “There’s too many people not heeding advice.”
In La Canada Flintridge, a northern suburb of Los Angeles near the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, the residents were told to do exactly the opposite. Residents along canyon roads were ordered to evacuate, and stay away for four days.
“I cannot stress enough that this is not the time to stay,” said Mayor Laura Olhasso. “So if you’ve been asked to leave and you have left, please don’t be fatigued. Please leave again.”
“South of Los Angeles, near Long Beach and Huntington Beach, at least four funnel clouds were reported Tuesday — rare in California, and especially so in winter. Gary Sewall was in Huntington Harbour when he said he saw a catamaran lifted 50 feet in the air. ” ABC News said.
“I saw what looked like a water spout that was circling around,” he said, “and then we saw the boat out across the channel go up in the air and come crashing down.”
Heavy rain, flooding and mudslides have closed roads, inundated homes and cars causing damage. Powerful winds with gusts 130 km/h gusts have damaged power lines leaving more than 750,000 customers without power at times. Up to four tornadoes have touched down in Southern California, this week!
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