A Week of Severe Weather for Southern California

A cold storm bearing down from the Alaskan gulf has collided with warm moisture from the Pacific, resulting in some of the worst weather South Carolina has ever seen.

Authorities have issued evacuation notices to 232 inhabitants in the suburbs as torrential rain sets in. Widespread flooding and fast-moving debris flows have been predicted, and today’s storm is expected to be the most intense of the seven-day run of storms to come.

Small tornadoes have also been forecast, as well as waterspouts appearing off shore. Governor Schwarznegger has raised the emergency alarms in a number of counties due to the adverse weather, with fears that the rainfall today (as much as 1.5 inches an hour) could completely overcome flood-control systems and natural drainage channels. Warnings on potentially destructive tidal surges remain in place, as the high tide today can potentially reach 6ft.

There are no reports of any injuries so far, but nine people have been rescued successfully from rising floodwaters – including three suspected illegal immigrants who became trapped in the Tijuana River. Officials have urged people to act on the evacuation orders, as staying behind could be a fatal decision.

Low-lying roads in the San Diego area have been badly hit with waters rising to three feet in some places, causing the evacuation of a number of houses and offices. Downtown LA is also receiving a battering – over the last week, it has experienced the equivalent of just over 40% of its average annual rainfall.

But it is not all bad news. Ski resorts had previously closed in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains due to rain causing havocs on the pistes, but they are set to enjoy almost a foot of snow in the run up to Christmas and many are reopening today.

Reported by Claire Blackhorne.

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