Several US states were threatened with more extreme weather on Friday night as heavy rains in Southern California set off floods and mudslides, prompting evacuation orders on Tuesday.
The multi-day storm, a powerful atmospheric river weather system that sucked in moisture from the Pacific, pulled southward over California Tuesday, saturating the drought-stricken state with much-needed rain, but also triggered rescue efforts along a swollen river and forced evacuations because of a risk of mudslides in some fire-ravaged areas.
The waterlogging also gave relief about the threat of wildfires that raged into Southern California late fall.
It is not advisable to travel in, near or below avalanche grounds.
Similar orders have been issued for residents of the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles and several canyons in Orange County.
In Orange County south of Los Angeles, some 800 homes were evacuated on Tuesday as a storm surge alert was issued and mudslides were reported in areas scorched by a wildfire.
Evacuations were ordered in several counties of San Bernardino County and Riverside County early Tuesday as rains were expected to wreak havoc on fire scars from wildfires in the surrounding area.
Forecasters have warned that strong winds that accompany the second storm may cause electricity outages.
***FINAL*** All evacuation orders have been lifted. All residents are accounted for and safe. Firefighters will remain in the area on patrol throughout the night. pic.twitter.com/0VcBaEluTZ
— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) December 15, 2021
Here's the latest radar loop as of 512 AM. Rain moving across the entire forecast area with Flood Advisories in effect.
Rain will continue through the day with snow at higher elevations. #CAwx #larain pic.twitter.com/3gimbV0JEA
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 14, 2021
