In a truly remarkable turn of events, the heavy rain and flooding that has been engulfing coastal Southern California has taken an unexpected detour, heading south and east towards Arizona just as the United States gears up for one of the busiest holiday travel cycles of the year.
Reports indicate that Ventura County, specifically Oxnard, experienced an extraordinary downpour, receiving an astonishing three inches of rain in only one hour. This amount surpasses the average rainfall for the entire month of December, which typically stands at two and a half inches. Experts have classified this event as a 'one in 1000 year event,' signaling the rarity and intensity of the rainfall. It is vital to note that this classification does not mean it will occur only once every millennium but highlights the probability of such an occurrence happening in any given year.
Predictably, the consequences of the deluge have been dire. Backyards of homes have become flooded, and several businesses have been affected by the rising waters. Neighboring Santa Barbara County has also been inundated, with numerous local intersections turning into dangerous waterways. Authorities strongly advise against driving through flooded areas, echoing the National Weather Service's slogan - 'Turn around, don't drown' - emphasizing the life-saving importance of avoiding such scenarios.
Rainfall totals across Southern California are astonishingly high, with some areas exceeding half a foot of rainfall. This serves as a stark reminder of the sheer intensity of the downpour. The latest radar images indicate that the heavy rain is still ongoing in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. However, meteorologists expect the storm system to gradually shift eastward throughout the morning.
Furthermore, the impact of this weather system is not limited to rain alone. The high elevation areas of the San Bernardino Mountains, located east of Los Angeles, are forecasted to receive over a foot of snowfall due to the system's frigid temperatures. This accumulation of snow further compounds the challenges faced by motorists navigating the treacherous roads during this holiday season.
As the storm system continues its journey eastward, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Midwest and the East Coast on Christmas Day. Consequently, travelers in those regions are advised to exercise caution and remain updated with the latest weather forecasts to ensure the safety of their holiday plans.
In the face of these challenging weather conditions, it is crucial that individuals heed the advice and warnings of authorities in order to safeguard their lives and property. As the heavy rain now makes its way towards Arizona, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness during these holiday travels.
