Emergency declaration in Los Angeles for fear of dangerous flooding
Declared California declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in Los Angeles and most of the state’s southern regions due to Heavy rain which raised fears of Dangerous floods coinciding with the Christmas holiday.
The storm driven by a weather phenomenon known as "Pineapple Express Train"which is the transfer of high humidity from the tropical regions of Hawaii to the West Coast, is expected to cause amounts of rain in the coming days equivalent to what falls in months.
Flash Floods
The National Weather Service warned of "Life-threatening flash floods in southern California today and tomorrow, as heavy snow and strong winds continue in the mountains."adding that " A great danger to lives and property"
The southern part of the state, where several months’ worth of rainfall is expected, was placed under a state of red alert until Thursday morning.
State of Emergency
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in several counties, including Los Angeles.
On the streets of Los Angeles, shoppers braved bad weather to shop in the final hours before Christmas.
He said. Jim Lewis to AFP "We decided to stay home. We received all these warnings, and the situation does not seem safe. I don’t want to drive"explaining that he would not spend Christmas Eve with his cousins as was planned.
Evacuation of residents
On Wednesday morning, trees fell and streets were closed in Los Angeles, and electricity was cut off for thousands of residents.
The city police announced on Tuesday that evacuation orders had been issued for more than 200 homes, in addition to evacuation warnings for large neighborhoods.
The coastal city of Santa Monica and the Los Angeles Basin were classified as Los Angeles is among the areas most at risk.
Hurricane outbreaks
The rain intensified on Wednesday morning and a hurricane warning was issued for three cities in Los Angeles and then lifted.
Evacuation centers were prepared for residents subject to evacuation orders. The Los Angeles Times reported that some of these centers have begun receiving refugees.
The coastal areas of Pacific Palisades and Malibu have been placed on high alert, as they are still recovering from the devastating forest fires that broke out in January. Heavy rains raise fears of landslides.
There is a risk that waterways will overflow, and authorities advise avoiding driving in the affected areas of Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, with a population of 3.9 million people, most of whom depend on cars for their transportation.
Major floods
Meteorologist Ariel Cohen told reporters. "By Wednesday night into Friday, many areas will likely have witnessed major floods, rock slides, and landslides, especially in the highlands and roads that pass through the valleys.".
The storm is expected to be accompanied by strong winds exceeding 80 kilometers per hour.
According to scientists, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive due to climate change caused by human activities.
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