Historic Downpours and Landslides in Southern California
By Avi Farah
Published February 7, 2024
A historic storm parked itself over Southern California, unleashing unprecedented downpours that caused hundreds of landslides. The deluge dumped over a foot (30 centimeters) of rain in some areas, triggering at least 475 mudslides in the Los Angeles region, including the Hollywood Hills.
Ongoing Threat of Collapsing Hillsides
As the weather began to relent, evacuation orders were lifted for flood- and slide-prone areas. However, the continued threat of collapsing hillsides loomed large. Experts warned that the fully saturated ground could lead to further mudslides even with light rains.
Impacts and Recovery Efforts
Despite the chaos, no deaths were reported from the slides. However, the aftermath of the storm left a trail of destruction, with thousands of customers remaining without power and numerous trees brought down by the inclement weather. In the wake of the storm, authorities were looking toward helping people recover from the weather's pounding.
Boost to Water Supply Amidst Chaos
Amidst the chaos, the storm brought a silver lining by boosting the state's water supply. In Los Angeles alone, at least 6 billion gallons (22.7 billion liters) of storm water were captured for groundwater and local supplies. This was a significant boon for a state that has historically faced water supply challenges.
Continued Impact in Northern California and Beyond
The stormy weather that rolled into Northern California before moving south and stalling had far-reaching effects. Throughout the state, seven storm-related deaths were reported, including individuals crushed by falling trees. Additionally, the storm prompted warnings across state lines, with parts of Arizona under a winter storm warning and flood watch.
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