Powerful holiday storm lashes Southern California and threatens mudslides in fire-scarred areas

Forecasters have issued a flash flood warning for parts of Southern California that are being lashed by heavy rain from a storm system that could cause mudslides and debris flows in areas scorched by January’s wildfires. The National Weather Service said early Wednesday parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties were experiencing or could soon see flash flooding. California officials are urging holiday travelers to avoid the roads on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The rain began to move into Los Angeles on Tuesday night and was expected to intensify into Wednesday. Some 380 households in Los Angeles County that are particularly vulnerable to debris flows after this year's fires have been ordered to leave.