"Do Not Go Outside": Power Outages and State of Emergency Declared as Powerful Storm Hits U.S.

Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in Six Counties

On December 24, the day before Christmas (local time), Southern California in the United States was swept by a powerful storm, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Proactive measures are underway in Los Angeles, as well as Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties to respond to the emergency situation.

Southern California in the United States was swept by a powerful storm on December 24th, Christmas Eve (local time), prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The state government pre-deployed 55 fire trucks and 10 swift-water rescue teams, among other personnel and equipment, and invoked emergency powers to strengthen its response system. Governor Newsom stated, "We will mobilize all emergency response resources to ensure the safety of residents."

Storms hit the Los Angeles area on the 24th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Intermittent rain began falling across Southern California the previous day, and by the morning of December 24, heavy downpours and strong winds intensified the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for the south-central coastal areas and flash flood warnings for Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, and San Bernardino counties.

The NWS Los Angeles office warned, "On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there is a possibility of life-threatening floods and landslides," advising people to avoid driving in flooded areas and to refrain from going outside unless absolutely necessary.

On December 24, as heavy rain fell in Altadena, California, USA, a Los Angeles County Department of Public Works employee is removing a fallen tree. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Local authorities are already responding to river flooding and traffic accidents caused by the heavy rain. The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued three residents stranded by river flooding, while the Los Angeles Police Department handled 52 traffic accidents. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is working to restore power to 18,000 households and replace 28 downed utility poles. Cleanup operations are also underway for 43 fallen trees reported throughout the city. So far, no casualties have been reported.

Authorities have expressed concern about the high risk of landslides and mudflows in Pacific Palisades, Sunset, and Hearst-areas that suffered major wildfire damage last year-and have instructed residents to remain prepared for emergency evacuation until 11 p.m. on December 25. Evacuation alerts have also been issued for some mountainous areas, including Wrightwood, a resort area in the San Gabriel Mountains located 130 kilometers northeast of Los Angeles.