Meghan Markle and Harry have been urged to exercise caution as a severe winter storm sweeps across California just days before Christmas, prompting evacuations and flood warnings in parts of the state.
Officials confirmed that more than 200 homes were placed under evacuation orders on Tuesday, mainly in areas affected by previous wildfires. The storm arrived amid concerns about heavy rain, strong winds and snow, raising the risk of flooding and debris flows, particularly in burn zones.
The warning comes as Meghan Markle and Harry prepare to spend Christmas in California with their children. Weather officials said conditions could worsen through the holiday period.
The National Weather Service described the system as a strong atmospheric river expected to impact northern, central and southern California through Friday. Residents were urged to take extreme care, especially when travelling.
“If you’re planning to be out on the roads during the Christmas holiday, please reconsider your plans,” meteorologist Ariel Cohen told reporters in Los Angeles.
Some communities in Southern California could see up to 12 inches of rain, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Flood watches were issued for large parts of Los Angeles County and surrounding areas late Tuesday.
State officials also warned that recent burn areas remain highly vulnerable. Earlier this year, wildfires across California destroyed more than half a million acres and claimed dozens of lives, with several residential neighbourhoods badly affected.
Local authorities said the combination of saturated ground and heavy rainfall could trigger mud and debris flows, adding to the urgency of evacuation orders already in place.
