A big storm is hitting California really hard with heavy rains, strong winds, and dangerous flash flooding. Southern California, especially downtown Los Angeles, is at a high risk of flash floods. The storm has already brought lots of rain, and more is expected. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for some Southern California counties to help deal with the storm. The “high risk” warning from NOAA means there’s a serious threat of flash floods that could be life-threatening, especially in urban areas.
The Golden State mobilized and prepositioned a record 8,500 emergency responders ready for flooding, landslide and travel emergencies, according to the Governor’s office. The State of Emergency included Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties.
In Santa Barbara, the swollen Mission Creek forced police to evacuate residents along streets near the downtown corridor.
The National Weather Service office in Los Angeles continues to use strong language in its forecasts, indicating a significant threat of widespread and dangerous flash flooding through Monday. Forecasters warned that flooding issues would not be confined to the usually prone areas in the foothills, mountains and burn areas and that numerous mudslides and debris flows are expected.