California Atmospheric Rivers

A series of atmospheric rivers drenched California with record Christmas rains, producing deadly flooding and mudslides that have killed at least three people, forced rooftop and road rescues, prompted evacuations in mountain and burn‑scar communities such as Wrightwood and Lytle Creek, knocked out power for roughly 150,000 people, and closed roads and airport approaches. State and local officials have declared emergencies, pre‑positioned resources and placed the National Guard on standby as forecasters warn of more heavy rain (many areas 4–8 inches, higher in the mountains), huge surf (waves up to 25 feet) and considerable avalanche risk in the Sierra Nevada, urging residents to avoid travel and heed evacuation orders.