Rare high-risk flood warnings hit Southern California as powerful winter storm drenches burn scars, force evacuations, and traps drivers statewide U.S.
Los Angeles and much of Southern California were hit by severe flooding on Christmas Day as a powerful winter storm swept across the region, prompting rare high-risk warnings from federal forecasters and forcing evacuations in vulnerable communities.
More than 15 million people across Southern California were placed under a moderate flood risk, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), as intense rainfall triggered flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows from wildfire burn scars. Forecasters issued a rare “High Risk” alert for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, signaling the potential for life-threatening flooding.
The storm dumped heavy rain across coastal and valley areas, with totals expected to reach between 4 and 7 inches. In foothill and mountain regions, rainfall was forecast to climb as high as 14 inches, dramatically increasing the risk of mudslides. Recent wildfire burn areas were considered especially dangerous, as scorched terrain is less able to absorb rainfall.
Authorities issued evacuation warnings for about 130 homes in at-risk zones, urging residents to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. Emergency officials said the warnings were focused on neighborhoods near steep hillsides and canyon roads vulnerable to debris flows.
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Flash flood warnings remained in effect for large portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed swift-water rescue teams as rising water trapped drivers and flooded homes. In the mountain community of Wrightwood, emergency crews pulled several people from vehicles stranded in fast-moving water.
The storm also brought strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour in higher elevations, compounding the danger and contributing to road closures. Portions of the Angeles Crest Highway were shut down due to flooding, fallen debris, and hazardous driving conditions.
Weather conditions on Wednesday December 24, 2025, included partly cloudy skies early, followed by widespread rain developing through the afternoon. High temperatures hovered near 63 degrees Fahrenheit, with southeast winds between 5 and 10 miles per hour. Officials warned that even short bursts of heavy rain could overwhelm drainage systems and trigger sudden flooding.
The NWS urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, never drive through flooded roads, and stay alert for rapidly changing conditions. Officials emphasized that the threat would continue as long as heavy rain persisted.
The Christmas storm marks one of the most significant flooding events in Southern California in recent years, highlighting the growing risks posed by extreme weather intensified by climate patterns and wildfire damage across the region.