by Los Angeles, California — Southern California is bracing for what officials are calling the strongest Christmas storm in years, as a powerful atmospheric river moves into the region late Tuesday night, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds, and life-threatening flood risks across much of the Southland.
Forecasters say the multi-day storm could deliver a year’s worth of rain in just a few days, creating dangerous conditions for residents, travelers, and first responders during the holiday period.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected across coastal and valley areas, while 8 to 12 inches could fall in mountain and foothill communities. The heaviest rain is forecast from late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon, with additional rounds of rain continuing through Saturday.
Officials Warn of Rare and Severe Weather Event
County officials say storms of this magnitude are uncommon for the region.
“We haven’t had an atmospheric weather event like this in some time, probably more than four or five years,” said Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works.
A Flood Watch has been issued for all regions, including Orange County and the Inland Empire, signaling a significant risk of flooding well beyond traditional problem areas. A High Wind Watch is also in effect, with wind gusts potentially reaching 60 to 80 miles per hour in exposed and elevated locations.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Expected to Be Most Dangerous
Meteorologists say Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will bring the most severe impacts.
“The areas of most concern are from southeast Santa Barbara County through central Ventura County, extending through central Los Angeles County,” National Weather Service officials said.
KTLA meteorologist Vera Jimenez warned that saturated ground will dramatically increase the risk of damage.
“The winds are going to be very dangerous,” Jimenez said. “With all that oversaturation, even winds at 40 mph have the potential to bring trees and power lines down.”
Evacuations Ordered in High-Risk Areas
Evacuation warnings and mandatory orders have been issued for recent fire burn scar zones and higher-elevation communities, where mudslides, debris flows, and flash flooding could become deadly.
County officials confirmed that law enforcement and emergency crews went door-to-door in some neighborhoods to notify residents required to evacuate. Emergency shelters have been activated for those displaced by the storm.
Ventura County Prepares for Worst-Case Scenario
In Ventura County, officials are taking aggressive preventative measures. Vulnerable streets in flood-prone neighborhoods and mountain communities have been lined with K-rails, while residents are using sandbags to protect homes.
“We get about 15 to 17 inches of rain a year, and we’re looking at getting that in the next three to four days,” said Andy Van Sciver with Ventura County Fire.
Van Sciver emphasized the extreme danger of driving through floodwaters.
“If you come across moving water, don’t drive your vehicle through it,” he said. “Sometimes it takes as little as six inches of water to float your vehicle away.”
Mountain Snow and Resort Closures
Snow levels are expected to drop to around 7,000 feet, bringing heavy snow to mountain areas. Several Southern California ski resorts announced closures due to safety concerns.
Bear Mountain, Snow Valley, and Mountain High will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Snow Summit will remain open, though night sessions are paused until Christmas Day.
Mountain High officials said the decision was made out of caution.
“We’re choosing to be proactive rather than reactive to ensure the safety of our guests and crew,” resort officials said in a statement.
Read Also: Flash Floods Kill One in Northern California as Powerful Storms Disrupt Holiday Travel
Travel Risks Increase During Holiday Rush
With heavy holiday traffic expected as the storm peaks, officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Drivers who must be on the roads are advised to slow down, stay alert, and never attempt to cross flooded roadways.
Mountain travelers are urged to carry snow chains and prepare for sudden road closures.
Safety Guidance for Residents
Emergency officials recommend the following precautions during the storm:
- Bring pets indoors to protect them from debris
- Avoid floodwaters and moving streams
- Do not use generators indoors or in garages
- Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous
- Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies
- Report non-emergency flooding or storm damage through 311 or lacity.gov/myla311
- Power outages can be reported to the Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397
Officials stress that preparation and awareness could save lives as Southern California faces one of its most dangerous holiday storms in years.
How is the storm affecting your area, and are you taking any precautions? Share what you’re seeing in the comments below.
