In response to a powerful storm system unleashing a barrage of rain and potential life-threatening flash floods across Southern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Sunday for eight counties in the region. The affected counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.
Gov. Newsom emphasized the severity of the storm, urging residents to heed emergency orders and alerts issued by local officials. "This is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts," Newsom said. during a press conference. The governor assured that California is well-prepared, with a record number of emergency assets deployed on the ground to respond to the storm's impact.
Potential Widespread Flooding
A person walks through flood waters as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, impacts California on February 4, 2024 in Santa Barbara, California. The storm is delivering potential for widespread flooding, landslides and power outages while dropping heavy rain and snow across the region.
The proclamation issued by Newsom's office authorizes the activation of the California National Guard if necessary. It also facilitates the deployment of out-of-state contractors and utilities to expedite the repair of storm damage.
The emergency measures come as a significant atmospheric river over the Pacific Ocean draws moisture into Southern California, resulting in steady rain expected through Monday.
Evacuation orders and warnings are in effect across the region as authorities brace for a winter storm that promises heavy rain and widespread flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood warning for central and western Los Angeles County, in effect until 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Forecasters from the NWS have cautioned residents to prepare for a major flooding event, emphasizing the potential dangers associated with the storm. As the atmospheric river continues to affect the region, rainfall is anticipated to be particularly heavy, with 4 to 8 inches expected in Los Angeles County and 8 to 14 inches in mountainous areas.
The emergency proclamation by Governor Newsom includes provisions to authorize a California National Guard response, facilitate unemployment benefits for affected residents, and streamline the process for out-of-state contractors and utilities to address storm damage. This declaration builds upon a state of emergency issued earlier for San Diego and Ventura counties on January 23 due to heavy rainfall.
Read Also: Winter Weather Deaths: Nearly 100 Dead Amid Frigid Storms Across United States
Evacuations Underway
Widespread evacuations are underway in various areas, including mandatory evacuations for residents in unincorporated Ojai, Topanga Canyon, La Tuna Canyon Road in Sun Valley, and parts of Santa Maria Road. Evacuation warnings have been issued for several unincorporated areas near recent burn scars, emphasizing the potential for debris flows and landslides.
With a flood watch in effect for all areas, forecasters anticipate the possibility of flooding along freeways and in neighborhoods. Commuters are urged to avoid freeways on Monday morning due to the anticipated rain.
Strong, damaging winds are also expected, prompting a rare winter storm warning for Ventura County and northward, as well as for mountainous areas in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The storm has already impacted power in twelve counties, affecting 217,445 residents as of 5 p.m. ET.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place for Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Monterey counties. An evacuation center has been established at the Ventura College Gymnasium for displaced residents.
As the storm continues its onslaught, Mayor Karen Bass assured the public that the city is operating in an all-hands-on-deck manner to ensure the safety of Angelenos. Forecasters expect the strongest rain and wind to persist through Monday morning, emphasizing the potential for a historic storm with severe winds, thunderstorms, and even brief tornadoes.
In anticipation of the storm's impact, multiple emergency facilities, including the State Operations Center, Flood Operations Center, Caltrans Emergency Operations Center, and the Medical Health Coordination Center, have been activated in coordination with local and federal officials.
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