A severe thunderstorm caused mudslides and flooding in the mountain and desert areas of Southern California overnight Sunday — stranding thousands and killing at least one.
The storm dropped about 4 inches of rain in less than an hour. Flash floods washed away cars, and mudslides blocked roads with as much as 6 feet of debris. (Via KABC)
Many communities in the San Bernardino area have been affected, with Mt. Baldy and Forest Falls among the hardest hit.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tweeted one family had to be airlifted in Mt. Baldy after flooding affected canyon areas.
Outlets have reported different numbers of the total people impacted by the storm, but the Los Angeles Times puts that number at 3,000 — the highest figure reported so far.
According to CNN, officials say one has died after a vehicle was swept into a creek by a flood. It's unclear whether that unidentified person died from drowning.
Officials are saying right now Southern California is in "monsoon conditions" — characterized by extreme humidity and heat.
Many say the humidity is unusual and "unfamiliar" for the area. Plus, most of the state has been in a severe drought since May. (Via KCAL, Getty Images)
The rain comes at the same time as a completely different natural hazard in Northern California — wildfires. A state of emergency has been declared due to as many as 14 active wildfires, some caused by lightning strikes. (Via KXTV)
Officials say firefighters and rescue crews expect to be working in Southern California for the next three to four days to clear the roads and evacuate residents affected by the floods.
