Evacuation orders in Los Angeles after an “atmospheric river” was announced on Christmas Eve

Authorities in Los Angeles issued evacuation orders on Tuesday, December 23, because torrential rains are expected in the American state of California, AFP notes. Forecasts have sparked fears of dangerous flooding on Christmas Eve.

In 2023, a tropical storm wreaks havoc in the US. PHOTO archive Profimedia

A massive corridor of precipitation, known as an “atmospheric river”, which carries water vapor stored in the tropics, is set to hit southern California from Tuesday until the weekend, according to Agerpres, citing the international news agency.

“This is a very dangerous Christmas storm. The most important precipitation is expected on Wednesday in the Los Angeles basin. Flash floods and urban flooding are possible, as well as landslides and rock falls in the mountains“, warned the National Weather Service (NWS).

Faced with these risks, the sheriff of Los Angeles, Robert Luna, announced that more than 100 homes have received evacuation orders and that vast areas of the Californian city are under evacuation notices.

The population affected by these notices must “to start preparing” for a quick evacuation, he urged.

Increased vigilance in Malibu and Pacific Palisades

The upscale neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Malibu, which were ravaged by wildfires nearly a year ago, are on heightened alert as expected heavy rains raise concerns about landslides.

At the same time, strong gusts of wind are expected, causing concerns about power outages and road blockages if trees fall on the roads.

Meteorological authorities have urged people traveling during the holidays to show evidence of “extreme caution”.

We recall that in 2023, a tropical storm that hit Los Angeles triggered flooding in areas of southern California, areas more accustomed to drought.