Sacramento: California faced a powerful storm on Wednesday, with strong winds and rain starting shortly after. Rivers swelled rapidly, and several areas were flooded. Debris flowed through the streets, and people stranded in floodwaters were rescued in some areas. The Department of Meteorology and Science said that Southern California may experience the most rainfall on Christmas in years.

According to a CBS News report, officials have issued warnings for sudden flooding and landslides. People in areas affected by wildfires in January have been told to move to safe locations. Los Angeles County officials said that approximately 380 people living in damaged homes have been relocated to safe areas.

The Los Angeles Fire Brigade reported on Wednesday morning that firefighters rescued a person trapped in a drainage tunnel in the northwest. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties on Wednesday. The National Weather Service had issued a storm warning on Tuesday evening.

According to Los Angeles officials, trees and power lines were knocked down during the storm, causing several major roads to be closed. National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said that Southern California typically sees half an inch to an inch of rain at this time of year, but some areas may see 4 to 8 inches of rain this week. The Los Angeles Police Department has appealed to people not to stay in damaged and vulnerable homes.