Record rainfall fell across Southern California on Christmas Eve, prompting evacuations and some residents needing rescue amid rising waters.
Christopher Prater, a public information officer for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, said “at least dozens” of people were rescued overnight amid flooding and mudslides in Wrightwood, California, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles.
Prater said no deaths were reported in the area, but one child had to be taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Prater said more than 120 emergency responders worked overnight to rescue people and assess the damage. Video shared by the county shows mud and floodwaters Running past cabins in the pine forest,
“It was quite dynamic,” Prater said Thursday, adding that officials were still tallying the number of people rescued. “We still have crews out there. They are providing life-safety first and trying to divert the flow of water, mud and debris as best they can to help properties.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday As the deluge devastated Southern California. The situation may worsen until the region becomes dry by the end of this week.
more than this 100,000 customers in California There was no electricity on Thursday afternoon.
The National Weather Service said Daily rainfall records broken on Christmas Eve Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Oxnard and Woodland Hills, among other locations. As much it rained 10 inches In parts of the foothills near Los Angeles.
Forecasters expect two more spells of heavy rain and the possibility of storms by Friday.
“Flooding will be more likely during this period,” forecasters wrote Thursday. “Whatever rainfall occurs will end immediately.”
