(NewsNation) — A powerful atmospheric river is making its way across California, forcing millions in the state to reevaluate their Christmas Eve travel plans.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency late Wednesday morning due to “atmospheric rivers, intense rainfall and strong winds ahead.”
The state of emergency declaration covers Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency to mobilize city resources as a powerful holiday storm continues to impact the region. The declaration allows the city to coordinate emergency response, access additional resources and seek state and federal assistance.
The National Weather Service is projecting heavy rainfall, snow and strong winds in the state that could last through Friday. Weather officials and emergency service teams are particularly concerned about the risk of flash floods in the southern part of the state in areas that were significantly burned during wildfires earlier this year.
“We haven’t had an atmospheric weather event like this in some time, probably more than four or five years,” Mark Pestrella, director of L.A. County Public Works, told NewsNation affiliate KTLA.
In Redding, California, emergency services reported making multiple water rescues Monday, after flooding tore through the area. One death was confirmed by the town’s mayor, who asked residents to stay off the roads if possible and to be aware of their surroundings.
Meanwhile, the Bay Area is bracing for winds that could reach up to 65 mph. NewsNation affiliate KRON reports the weather comes on the heels of a massive power outage in San Francisco that left 130,000 customers in the dark, raising concerns of additional outages. PG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center, according to KRON.
Emergency officials are advising residents to check weather conditions when venturing out over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
At one point Wednesday, the NWS issued a tornado warning for the areas of Alhambra, Monterey Park and Rosemead. The warning was posted on X at 10:21 a.m. and was scheduled to expire at 10:45 a.m., but expired early after officials determined the threat had diminished. “However, damaging winds remain likely and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area,” the NWS said.
5 Freeway flooded
Video shows part of the I-5 Freeway was completely submerged by floodwaters in the San Fernando Valley early Wednesday afternoon.
Weather officials are especially concerned about flooding and debris flows in local burn areas, including the Palisades and Eaton burn scars scorched during the January wildfires. An interactive map of current Los Angeles County evacuations can be found here.
A flood watch has been issued for Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties through at least Wednesday evening.
Snow levels are expected to remain above the 7,500-foot range through Christmas Eve but will drop to around 6,500 feet during Christmas Day. By Friday, snow will likely be seen at the 5,500-foot mark with some decent accumulations at the resort levels, according to the NWS.
A brief break in heavy showers is expected for a few hours Christmas morning. A cool and showery pattern will continue Friday and Saturday before dry conditions likely return Sunday and Monday.
NewsNation affiliate KTLA contributed to this report.