Drinking water could be contaminated in L.A. County areas affected by wildfires, experts say
Los Angeles-area residents who already face warnings about their tap water could be without it for some time, experts told NBC News, owing to concerns about the damage done to local infrastructure and the chemicals released by wildfires. At least two water departments have told residents not to drink their tap water because of concerns about potential contamination from the ongoing wildfires. And the possibility of chemicals’ and pathogens’ entering the water system has raised concerns about potential risks to human health, though it may take a while for tests to determine the scope of the problem, particularly since the fires are still active.
Southern California Edison accused in lawsuits of failing to prevent Eaton Fire
Southern California Edison spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas told NBC News, “Our hearts remain with our communities during the devasting fires in Southern California and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time.” “SCE crews, contractors and mutual assistance partners are dedicated to safely restoring power to our customers. SCE understands that a lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire has been filed but has not yet been served with a complaint. SCE will review the complaint when it is received. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.”
Firefighters battle to contain L.A. fires as Santa Ana winds are forecast to pick back up
LOS ANGELES — Firefighters have been working to contain the flames that have devoured large swaths of the city, killed two dozen people and destroyed thousands of structures over the past week, but they warned Monday that the fierce Santa Ana winds that fed the flames are intensifying and could fuel a destructive sequel. "We are not in the clear as of yet," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said at a news conference. "We cannot let our guard down."
Newsom says California wildfires will be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history
California Gov. Gavin Newsom told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Saturday that the Los Angeles-area wildfires will be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history and called for an independent investigation into the local water supply. “I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope,” Newsom said when asked whether the disaster would be among the nation’s worst ever.
Winter storm that covered South and East Coast in snow and ice to move offshore
A winter storm that covered parts of the East Coast and the South in snow and ice will continue to push offshore Saturday. A few winter alerts remained in effect for the central Appalachians, with scattered snow showers persisting in parts of northern New England, through Saturday afternoon. An additional dusting of snow of up to 2 inches was possible in those regions.
Trump makes misguided accusations about California water management amid wildfires
President-elect Donald Trump has used the devastating Los Angeles wildfires to revisit a policy disagreement with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, pushing a series of complaints that experts say are false or misleading. Trump this week blamed Newsom for the fires, which have killed at least 10 people, forced 180,000 to evacuate and burned more than 10,000 structures.
Los Angeles residents return to ashes and ruins after devastating wildfires
LOS ANGELES — The City of Angels became a city of ashes this week as residents returned from fleeing the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, searching for any trace of the homes they cherished. But 83-year-old Walt Butler refused to give in to despair, even after surveying what remained of his home in the Altadena area and the burnt carcasses of his cars, including his prized Corvette Stingray.
Reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission when fire started
A 117-million gallon reservoir in one of the Los Angeles communities ravaged by wildfires was out of commission when the fire started in the area on Tuesday. The Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Pacific Palisades has been closed for repairs after a covering designed to preserve water quality tore. The Los Angeles Times first reported that the reservoir was offline.
New evacuation orders as Palisades fire expands
Governor Gavin Newsom ordered an investigation into fire hydrant failures; fierce winds fueling the fires to ease on Saturday, before returning on Monday.
Significant winter storm shutters the South and cancels more than 3,000 US flights
A significant winter storm is hammering the South with snow and ice, causing major travel disruptions and power outages just a day after it walloped the Plains. The storm had already shut down the South Friday — schools and government offices were closed and states of emergency declared as it started to disrupt travel. More than 3,000 flights in and out of the US were canceled Friday – the worst day for flight cancellations since July – as the storm stretched over nearly every major airport in the South, according to Flight Aware.