Los Angeles County Braces for New Year’s Eve Rain After Record Storms
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A return to dry conditions Sunday offered a brief respite for Los Angeles County residents following a week of historic rainfall, but forecasters predict more showers are on the way for New Year’s Eve celebrations. The recent storms prompted widespread evacuations and emergency responses, and while the immediate threat has subsided, officials are preparing for another round of wet weather.
Shelters Closed, Evacuation Orders Lifted
Following four days of intense rainfall last week, evacuation centers across Los Angeles County were officially closed Sunday, according to the Red Cross LA. The following locations were among those shuttered:
- Stoner Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles
- West Ranch High School, 26255 Valencia Blvd., Stevenson Ranch
- Santa Anita Family YMCA, 501 Mountain Ave., Monrovia
- Marie Kerr Recreation Center, 2723-A W. Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale
Evacuation orders and warnings that were issued near areas impacted by recent wildfires were lifted by Friday evening, signaling a decrease in the immediate danger posed by mudslides and debris flows.
Storms Shatter Rainfall Records, Strain Emergency Services
The recent weather system established numerous rainfall records throughout Los Angeles County. The impact on local services was significant, as detailed by Mayor Karen Bass. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to five river rescue incidents, while the Los Angeles Police Department handled over 520 traffic accidents. City crews were inundated with requests, responding to more than 750 tree emergencies involving downed trees and fallen branches.
A particularly unusual event occurred when a tornado was recorded in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Tragically, a body was discovered Friday in a partially submerged vehicle following severe flooding in a remote section of Lancaster.
New Year’s Eve Forecast: Dampened Celebrations Possible
While the upcoming storm activity is anticipated to be less severe than last week’s, multiple days of rainfall are still expected across Los Angeles County during the New Year’s celebration. This poses a potential threat to the beloved Pasadena traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game. Current forecasts, as of Sunday, indicate rain in Pasadena Wednesday night and throughout most of Thursday. Overall, the forecast calls for rain across Los Angeles County from Wednesday through Saturday.
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