California weather: Powerful holiday storm lashes SoCal, bringing flash floods and mudslides

LOS ANGELES - A powerful winter storm swept across California on Wednesday, with heavy rains and gusty winds bringing mudslides and debris flows that has led to some water rescues and evacuation orders.

Forecasters said Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about flash flooding and mudslides. Areas scorched by January’s wildfires were under evacuation warnings, and Los Angeles County officials said the previous day that they delivered about 380 evacuation orders to especially vulnerable homes.

San Bernardino County firefighters said they rescued people trapped in their cars when mud and debris rushed down a road leading into Wrightwood, a mountain resort town in the San Gabriel Mountains about 80 miles  northeast of Los Angeles. It was not immediately clear how many were rescued.

On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency for eight California counties, including San Bernardino and Santa Barbara, following multiple severe weather events in 2025.

RELATED: Newsom declares state of emergency for 8 California counties over severe weather events in 2025\

Evacuation warnings

Evacuation warnings have been issued for the following areas:

Los Angeles County

• Kenneth Fire
• Palisades and Mandeville Canyon
• Eaton Fire
• Sunset Fire
• Topanga Canyon closure (Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive)

Ventura County

• Mountain Fire Burn Scar – (Unincorporated Camarillo) (Effective 12/23 at 6 p.m. – 12/24 at 6 p.m.)
• Matilija Canyon/North Fork/Camino Cielo – (Unincorporated Ojai) (Effective 12/23 at 6 p.m. – 12/24 at 6 p.m.)
• Community of Camp Chaffee / Foster Park – (Unincorporated Ventura) (Effective 12/23 at 6 p.m. – 12/24 at 6 p.m.)
• Ventura Beach RV Resort in Ventura (Evacuation order effective 12/23 at 6 p.m. to 12/24 at 6 p.m.)

Orange County

Mandatory evacuation orders went into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday for parts of Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon near the Airport Fire burn scar.

San Bernardino County

Parts of the Wrightwood community were under an evacuation order while other parts of the San Bernardino County Mountain areas were under an evacuation warning due to mud and debris flow. 

Below is a live update on the Christmas storms hammering down on Southern California:

A look at what's to come

8 p.m. Meteorologist Adam Krueger outlined what to expect Christmas morning as storms continue to impact the region.

He said light, low-impact showers are expected around 7 a.m. Midday, around noon, the next wave of rain is expected to move into Ventura County before spreading across much of Los Angeles County.

The system will slowly shift east through the evening. A third round of moderate to heavy rain is forecast for Friday morning, though it is not expected to be as intense as Wednesday morning’s system.

Some areas could still see significant rainfall. The storm system is expected to gradually move out of the region by Friday evening.

Flood watches and warnings

7 p.m. The National Weather Service Los Angeles said Wednesday evening that a flood warning remains in effect for Antelope Valley.

"While rain has mostly ended in Antelope Valley, a flood warning remains in effect tonight due to ongoing significant flooding,"the NWS wrote, adding, that "8-10 inches of rain fell in San Gabriel mountains with additional rain tonight, resulting in additional water flow draining into Antelope Valley."

Several roadways closed due to flooding

6 p.m. Several roadways, including a part of Interstate 5 near the Burbank Airport, were closed due to flooding.

Conditions could worsen with multiple atmospheric rivers during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.

The rain began tapering off in the evening in Los Angeles, but another storm system was on the horizon with showers and possible thunderstorms Christmas Day.

SoCal severe weather update: What to expect

5:15 p.m. FOX 11 Meteorologist Adam Krueger said to expect disruptive weather over the next couple of days.

Flash flood warnings are set to expire at 6 p.m. over many large areas. Scattered light rain remains.

Thursday afternoon, expect another wave of rain to move though Southern California, along with a third wave on Friday morning. While these next two waves may not be as intense, they could still drop a couple of inches more of rain.

Peak wind gusts

4 p.m. The National Weather Service reported some of its peak wind gusts across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Big Bear reported wind gusts of 38 mph and Victorville reported 54 mph gusts.

Latest rainfall totals

3:30 p.m. These are some of the preliminary 24-hour precipitation totals as of 3:04 pm. on Wednesday from the National Weather Service:

• Middle FK Lytle Creek: 10.57 inches
• Wrightwood: 8.46 inches
• Mormon Rock: 7.25 inches
• San Sevaine: 6.92 inches
• Lytle Creek: 6.11 inches
• Summit Valley Fire: 6.10 inches
• Bernina Drive: 5.41 inches
• Mt. Baldy: 4.61 inches
• Deep Creek: 4.57 inches
• Cedar Glen: 3.98 inches

Flash flood warnings continue

3 p.m. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), flash flood warnings will continue until 6 p.m. PT on Dec. 24 for the following areas:

• Glendale
• Santa Clarita
• Pasadena
• Los Angeles
• Long Beach
• Pomona CA

According to NWS, flash flood warnings also continue until 4:30 p.m. PT for these areas:

• Lake Arrowhead
• Crestline
• Arrowhead Highlands

Flash flood warnings continue until 4:15 p.m. PT for these areas:

• Oak Hills
• Lytle Creek
• Devore CA

Storm continues to move from west to east

2 p.m. FOX 11 Chief Meteorologist Adam Kruger said the storm continued to move west to east, with heavier rainfall hitting the Inland Empire. Other hard hit areas were in parts of the San Gabriel Valley, sparking concerns of possible mudslides. 

Cooler temperatures expected by Friday

1 p.m.: FOX 11 Meteorologist Star Harvey explained that while the storm had a slow start in the Inland Empire, the third round of the storm, expected to hit Friday, is when snow levels are expected to drop between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Gusty winds will also prevail for the rest of the holiday week. 

Newsom declares state of emergency 

11:34 a.m.: California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Shasta counties. 

"The emergency proclamation allows for the rapid mobilization of state resources and support for local governments under the California Disaster Assistance Act and the deployment of the California Guard, if needed. It also authorizes Caltrans to seek federal assistance for repairs to damaged roads and highways," the proclamation explained. 

Second round of downpours expected on Christmas Day

11:30a.m.: FOX 11 Meteorologist Star Harvey explained when the peak of the storm was expected.

Team coverage across Southern California

11 a.m.: Team coverage continued in the Eaton and Palisades burn scar zones. Good Day LA's Brooke Thomas noted several cars were speeding down Pacific Coast Highway, which is not advised rain or shine. By this hour, Mario Ramirez reported the rain was less intense in Altadena. 

Tornado warning issued in parts of San Gabriel Valley

10:21 a.m.: The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning in parts of the San Gabriel Valley in Alhambra, Monterey Park and Rosemead. The warning expired at 10:45 a.m.

Southern California drenched by storm

10 a.m.: The biggest Christmas storm seen in years continued to drench Southern California. Good Day LA's Mario Ramirez, Brooke Thomas and Star Harvey provided team coverage. 

Where to get sandbags in Malibu

9:01 a.m.: The City of Malibu posted information about where residents can find sandbags in the area. "Please do not remove sand from beaches, it is prohibited under County law, and is harmful to the coastal ecosystem," officials wrote on X. 

The sandbag locations are as follows: 

• Camp 13, 1252 Encinal Cyn Rd – sand & bags
• Fire Station 70, 3970 Carbon Cyn Rd – sand & bags
• Zuma Beach Main Entrance, 3000 PCH – sand & bags
• Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way – filled sandbags through Apr 15 (staff will load your vehicle 9AM – 4PM before/during storms)

Evacuations issued, Highway 2 impassable in Wrightwood

8:32 a.m.: Crews evacuated residents in the Wrightwood community from Pine Street to the Los Angeles County line. The San Bernardino County Fire Department shared video from the scene and described Highway 2 as "impassible." 

FedEx truck involved in crash

8 a.m.: Slick roadways continue to impact the region. A crash involving a FedEx truck occurred near the 5 and 118 Freeways in the Pacoima area. A SigAlert remained in effect for hours. This is one of several crashes that have occurred during the morning hours. 

Heavy rain in Altadena and Malibu

7 a.m.: Heavy rain continued in Altadena and Malibu. Good Day LA's Mario Ramirez reported from Altadena near the Eaton Fire burn zone, and Brooke Thomas reported from Malibu near the Palisades Fire burn zone. They both reported heavy and nonstop rain as crews remained on standby for mud and debris flow. 

Severe storm warning issued in parts of LA and Ventura counties

6:54 a.m.: The National Weather Service issued a Severe Storm Warning in parts of LA and Ventura counties, including in Santa Paula, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Piru, Santa Clarita and Malibu. The alert was in effect through 8:30 a.m. 

How much rain is expected?

6:30 a.m.: FOX 11 Meteorologist Star Harvey's weather model showed the anticipated rain totals through late Friday evening. Some areas expected to get hit with the most rainfall include the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys. 

Flash Flood Watch for all of Southern California

6:15 a.m.: A Flood Watch is in effect for the entire Southland through Friday afternoon. While the peak of the storm is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, its impact will last until the early part of the weekend. 

The National Weather Service reported flooding and debris flows shortly after issuing a Flash Flood Warning in parts of the San Bernardino County Mountains, including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek and Mount Baldy.

Nonstop rain near Eaton Fire burn scar zone

6 a.m.: FOX 11's Mario Ramirez reported nonstop rain in Altadena just below a burn scar evacuation zone. He also reported k-rails were installed ahead of the storm. The day prior, Los Angeles County officials 

Flash Flood Warning

5:36 a.m.: The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning through Wednesday at 12 p.m. in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. 

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Timeline of rain in LA

The bulk of the storm is expected on Christmas Eve and Christmas, with lingering showers expected until early Saturday. See a timeline below. 

• Christmas Eve: The peak of the storm is expected to drench the region with heavy rain, along with strong winds. There's also a chance for thunderstorms and roadway flooding.
• Christmas Day: A second impulse will move across Southern California, bringing another round of gusty winds and heavy rain. Snow is expected at the resort level, the National Weather Service said.
• Friday, Dec. 26: Cooler temperatures and more rainfall are expected. Snow levels will drop to around 5,000 feet.

Severe WeatherLos Angeles CountyInland EmpireVentura CountyOrange CountyRiverside CountySan Bernardino County