On 7 January, authorities in California declared a state of emergency due to multiple fast-moving wildfires in the Santa Monica and Los Angeles metro areas. At least 29 people died, 1.5 million more lost power and 130,000 others were evacuated. Fire destroyed or damaged over 17,000 structures. Police arrested at least 39 people for curfew violations or looting in the fire zones. By 1 February, authorities had lifted most evacuation orders, restored power and fully contained the fires.
What to Expect:
Travellers should expect residual telecommunications outages and traffic jams. Further evacuations and road closures may continue in the near-term if dry and hot conditions resume. Most of Southern California suffers from extreme drought, and fire burn scars are susceptible to flash flooding. Evacuation warnings were issued for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Santa Barbara counties on 13 February, due to flash floods. Environmental authorities issued poor air quality and reduced visibility advisories.