Torrential rain triggered flash flooding and debris flow warnings across parts of southern California already affected by wildfires, with heavy rain and strong winds expected to continue through Friday, U.S. authorities said.
The storms are being driven by an atmospheric river, known as the Pineapple Express, which transports large amounts of tropical moisture toward the U.S. West Coast. Forecasters said the system could dump the equivalent of several months of rainfall within a few days.
The National Weather Service warned early Thursday that southern California, including Los Angeles, faces a high risk of excessive rainfall, flash flooding and debris flows, particularly in burn scar areas where vegetation has been destroyed and soils destabilized.
Heavy rain began falling across southern California on Wednesday. At least three people were killed in storm related incidents, including a man struck by a falling tree, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Winds reaching nearly 90 kilometers per hour are forecast in some areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday for Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Officials warned residents to avoid travel as roads, waterways and drainage channels remain hazardous.
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