California's Christmas Tragedy: 3 Dead, 100,000 Without Power as "Atmospheric River" Storms Cause Havoc

A holiday nightmare is unfolding in California. Powerful storms fueled by 'atmospheric rivers' have left at least three people dead and triggered widespread flooding and mudslides, plunging the state into a Christmas week crisis. As of Thursday evening, about 100,000 people were without power.

Widespread Damage and Casualties

According to local officials, the storms are expected to continue through Friday. Some parts of Los Angeles County received 11 inches (27 cms) of rain, shutting down major roads and forcing evacuations. The fatalities occurred across the state: a 64-year-old man in San Diego was killed by a fallen tree; a 74-year-old died in flood waters in Redding; and a woman in her 70s was swept into the ocean by a large wave in Mendocino County.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that wind speeds in the Bay Area topped 100 mph (161kmh). Emergency responders have been performing numerous rescues of people trapped in vehicles by the rising waters.

State of Emergency and 'Burn Scar' Threats

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday for Los Angeles and other southern counties. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also issued an emergency declaration, stating, "Please do not take this storm lightly." The US Weather Prediction Center warned on Thursday that "Numerous flash flooding events are possible."

Compounding the risk is the threat of mudslides in 'burn scar' areas—regions recently scorched by wildfires. According to CBS News, a mudslide occurred in Altadena, near Los Angeles, in an area where wildfires in January left the ground less able to absorb water. It's a stark example of how past disasters can amplify current ones.