On Christmas Eve and into Christmas Day 2025, a massive storm slammed into Southern California, turning holiday celebrations into a battle against heavy rain, flash flooding, and dangerous mudslides. The intense weather system, described by the National Weather Service as a “very dangerous” event with a rare “High Risk” for flooding in the Los Angeles area, forced evacuations, closed major roads, and left tens of thousands without power.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and others. This declaration allowed emergency crews to position resources ahead of time, including rescue teams and equipment, to protect communities during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The storm’s heaviest impacts hit on December 24 and 25, with rain rates reaching up to 1.25 inches per hour in some areas. Flash flood warnings covered much of the Los Angeles metro region, as well as Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and neighboring counties. Mountainous areas faced the potential for over 10 inches of rain, while strong winds—gusting up to 80 mph in some spots—knocked down trees and power lines.
More than 108,000 homes and businesses lost electricity as the storm raged. In Ventura County alone, fire department dispatchers handled an overwhelming number of calls about downed wires, fallen trees, and traffic accidents. Swift water rescue teams and helicopters responded to reports of people stranded in rising floodwaters.
Mudslides proved especially destructive. In San Bernardino County near Wrightwood, a mudslide washed out State Route 2, prompting evacuations around 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve. First responders called for extra crews to help residents leave safely. Another major slide closed a section of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) in the Santa Monica Mountains, blocking a key route between the Pacific Coast Highway and the San Fernando Valley.
Many of the worst risks stemmed from burn scars left by wildfires earlier in 2025. These scarred areas, where ash creates a water-repellent layer on the soil, are highly prone to debris flows and flash flooding during heavy rain. Evacuation warnings and orders targeted neighborhoods near the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset fire scars. Communities like Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Sierra Madre were on high alert.
In preparation, Los Angeles police and fire officials went door-to-door in high-risk zones earlier in the week. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works handed out sandbags in places like Altadena, and shelters opened for those who needed to evacuate.
Road conditions deteriorated quickly. Caltrans reported widespread flooding and downed branches across Southern California. Major highways, including parts of Interstate 5, faced closures due to water and debris.
Meteorologists warned that dangers could linger even after the rain tapered off on Christmas Day. Lingering flooding, additional mudslides, and upcoming Santa Ana winds over the weekend might cause more power outages and road issues.
This storm followed recent heavy rains in Northern California that had already caused flooding and at least one death. For Southern Californians, it turned what was supposed to be a joyful holiday into a tense fight against nature’s fury, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather in the wake of wildfires. Residents were urged to stay cautious, avoid flooded roads, and heed evacuation orders to stay safe.
