Southern California is bracing for a significant weather event as an atmospheric river, referred to as the “Pineapple Express” due to its origins from Hawaii, is set to impact the region during Christmas week. This storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a heightened risk of flash flooding and mudslides, prompting evacuation warnings across several counties.
The National Weather Service has announced that rainfall will intensify starting Tuesday evening and continue into Wednesday. Forecasts indicate that several inches of rain could fall across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties.
The areas identified as experiencing a “high risk” for excessive rainfall and flash flooding include regions just north of downtown Los Angeles, such as Burbank, Altadena, Glendale, San Bernardino, Santa Clarita, and Thousand Oaks. Residents in these communities are urged to prepare for potential flooding, and emergency services are on alert to respond effectively if needed.
As the storm approaches, Southern Californians are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and be ready to take precautions to ensure their safety. Despite the challenging weather ahead, this event also serves as a reminder of the necessary rainfall that can benefit the region’s ecosystem in the longer term.