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Southern California Declares Emergency Ahead of Weekend Deluge

1/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Southern California braces for a weekend deluge, with rain threatening to unleash mudslides in regions scarred by the recent Palisades and Eaton fires. In response, Mayor Karen Bass has declared an emergency, mobilizing crews to erect barriers and distribute sandbags, as up to an inch of rain looms on the horizon.

History

Historical Context

Southern California's vulnerability to mudslides after recent wildfires echoes past events, notably the 2018 Montecito mudflows, which killed 23 people following severe rain on burned hillsides. This pattern highlights how climate change exacerbates extreme weather, leading to more frequent and intense storms and wildfires, as seen in California's history of destructive floods and fires since the 19th century.

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Story summary

Southern California braces for a weekend deluge, with rain threatening to unleash mudslides in regions scarred by the recent Palisades and Eaton fires. In response, Mayor Karen Bass has declared an emergency, mobilizing crews to erect barriers and distribute sandbags, as up to an inch of rain looms on the horizon.

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