Storms that traveled through Southern California this past week broke rainfall records, caused traffic buildup, and seven people died. It is estimated that another storm will hit California sometime this week, adding another one to two inches. 

Among the fatalities was a 71-year-old man who was in his car on a bridge when it was washed away. One of those lost during the storm was a 7-year-old girl and her father, who were both washed away by a 20-foot wave caused by the weekend storms. There was also a boat further south that was carrying at least four people, who drowned during the storm. 

The evacuation warning placed on Los Angeles was lifted after the worst of the storm passed. But the large amounts of rain that California received impacted over 22 million people through flood damage, evacuation warnings, or, in one case, death. 

The County of Los Angeles warned its residents to “remain alert for any rain & debris-related hazards as they travel through storm impacted areas.”

The snow that covered the mountains has caused traffic to build up in the mountain passes located in Southern California. This existing snow, coupled with the expected storms throughout the week, could cause trouble for anyone planning to travel through these regions for the holidays.

AccuWeather Meteorologist, Alex Duffus said “Snow at pass levels with the additional storm can bring travel delays through early week.” 

The storms broke the previous daily rainfall record that was set in 1985. The previous record, 2.57 inches, broke this weekend, with 2.91 inches. This much rain is bound to cause landslides, so locals should be on the look out for dangerous debris while traveling. 

According to the Los Angeles Times, “The dreary weekend is expected to be followed by a gray week that will push this month’s rainfall total well past the 1985 benchmark.”

The storms brought a record setting amount of rain along with many problems. From mudslides to the tragic events that left seven dead, this series of storms is bound to affect everyone in Southern California.