A record-setting Christmas storm battering Southern California brought rushing floods that have already killed at least three people.

A major storm is lashing California with powerful winds and is set to deliver months’ worth of rain that could trigger debris flows and flash floods.

Here’s a look at the new leaders tasked with helping to shape the future of public safety in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties.: Jaime Moore was appointed to the position of fire chief in November.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as forecasts warn of flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows in areas scorched by last January's wildfires.

A major storm is expected to begin dumping rain on the Southland Tuesday night, continuing through Christmas and possibly into the weekend, prompting a series of evacuation warnings for residents near recent burn areas,

The storms - which were expected to continue through Friday - brought 11 inches (27 cms) of rainfall to some parts of Los Angeles County, prompted evacuations and shut down major roads. Emergency responders have had to perform several rescues,

An intense atmospheric river storm has swept across California this week, prompting widespread weather alerts as forecasters warn of flooding during the Christmas holiday. Parts of Southern California entered the holiday under alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS),