California Flooding: Viral Malibu Canyon Video Shows How Severe Storm Is [WATCH]

A powerful atmospheric river-fueled storm is wreaking havoc in Southern California, moving at a sluggish pace, unleashing heavy rain, mudslides, flooding, and substantial snowfall in the mountains, according to CNN.

Downtown Los Angeles has experienced an unprecedented 5.96 inches of rain since Sunday, surpassing its typical February rainfall.

The California storm's onslaught has prompted multiple evacuations, emergency responses, and a state of emergency in eight Southern California counties.

Los Angeles has borne the brunt of the storm, leading to over 130 flooding incidents, 49 mud and debris flows, six structure fires, and numerous water rescues, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin M. Crowley, per NBC News.

Additionally, Los Angeles police have responded to more than 65 traffic collisions resulting in injuries. Chief Crowley emphasized that the storm's hazards persist, anticipating another wave of heavy rain.

Today, the LAFD evacuated 16 residents in Studio City due to mudslides causing "significant damage" to homes, with ongoing responses to mudslides in the Hollywood Hills.

A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for La Tuna Canyon. Unconfirmed reports of a victim in Pacoima Wash prompted searches with no results.

Meanwhile, Malibu Canyon Road has reopened following a rockslide, Patch said.

However, several roads, including Piuma Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, remain closed due to mudslides, submerged vehicles, and fallen boulders.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station reported incidents of mudslides and submerged vehicles in Agoura Hills, urging motorists to avoid canyon roads due to winter storm-related hazards.

California Storm's Fury Unleashed

The tail end of the atmospheric river storm, causing power outages to nearly 400,000 homes, continues to pummel California with relentless rain, mudslides, and flooding, USA Today noted.

Flash flood warnings cover the Los Angeles area, including Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills, where Mayor Karen Bass declared a local state of emergency.

Though winds are diminishing, the National Weather Service warns of possible waterspouts or small tornadoes, emphasizing that flash flooding poses a more significant threat.

Forecasting additional rainfall of 5-8 inches, with 48-hour totals potentially reaching 14 inches, the weather service declared a state of emergency in eight Southern California counties.

In San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria issued evacuation warnings for flood-prone areas, urging preparedness despite potential weariness. Outside the city, regions experienced up to 7 inches of rain in the last two days.

California State of Emergency and Response

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for several California counties, mobilizing a record 8,500 emergency responders for storm response and recovery, Fox Weather reports.

The affected counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.

Emergency officials ordered evacuations, opened shelters, and closed several schools due to extreme weather.

Travel disruptions are widespread, with fears of landslides, mudslides, rockslides, and debris flows damaging roads.

Reports of floating cars in the Hollywood Hills and the closure of Santa Barbara Airport due to flooding underscore the California storm's impact.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued ground delays for California airports, including San Francisco International and Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena, due to thunderstorms and cloud cover.

Flash Flood Warnings persist in the Los Angeles area, indicating a high risk through early Tuesday morning.

As Southern California faces ongoing challenges, emergency preparedness and vigilance remain crucial for residents and authorities alike.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Storm impacts across the Bay Area, California - From NBC Bay Area