Southern California Faces Major Flooding from Ongoing Storms

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in Southern California on Friday, particularly in Orange County, disrupting neighborhoods and local parks. A series of storms has drenched the region, marking the third significant weather event in just over a week.

In Huntington Beach, areas near Edinger Avenue and Goldenwest Street, close to the 405 Freeway, experienced inundated streets. Greer Park South was completely under water, leading crews to pump water into storm drains. Firefighters and police responded to numerous flooding-related calls throughout the night, especially on the north side of the city, according to city manager Travis Hopkins.

“The response included rescues from stranded vehicles due to flooded streets and other flood-related calls,” Hopkins stated. “City staff continue to monitor the situation, and crews are ensuring the storm drain system is operational and are assessing any damage.”

The National Weather Service noted that Southern California is on track for near-record November rainfall. Since November 13, the region has received over four times the normal monthly rainfall in downtown Los Angeles. Prior to dawn on Friday, residents were warned of potential flash flooding and mudslides.

In coastal Huntington Beach, rainwater flowed through the streets as a nearby pond overflowed, trapping parked cars. Meteorologist Sebastian Westerink from the National Weather Service in San Diego reported that up to three inches of snow fell in the resort town of Big Bear from the same storm system.

Authorities mentioned no major damage had occurred from the ongoing storms, which are crucial for alleviating drought conditions in California. The state typically expects 0.78 inches of rain in November, but downtown Los Angeles has already recorded about 3.5 inches this month.

Santa Barbara County reported over 15 inches of rain in certain mountain areas this November. The storms are attributed to a strong atmospheric river, which has been linked to deaths in previous events and poses risks such as mudslides in wildfire-affected regions.