Pineapple Express Soaks Southern California, Threatens Christmas Chaos
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A powerful Christmas storm is drenching Southern California, triggering flash flood warnings and fears of deadly mudslides.
The intense rainfall is driven by an "atmospheric river." This weather phenomenon, called the Pineapple Express, carries heavy moisture from Hawaii to the U.S. West Coast. Forecasters expect the storm to drop several months' worth of rain in just a few days.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The declaration covers Los Angeles and much of the southern region.
Officials have issued flash flood warnings for Los Angeles and most of Southern California. They warn this could be one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory.