California weather: Flash flood watch in effect across SoCal as powerful storm arrives

LOS ANGELES - A dangerous winter storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, has made its way into Southern California. The heaviest rainfall is expected on Christmas Eve with another round of heavy downpours expected on Christmas Day. 

During the holiday week, heavy rain, flooding, and mud and debris flow could occur across the region. In addition to downpours, those in the area can also expect gusty winds. Ahead of the storm, evacuation warnings were ordered for residents in recent burn scar zones. Officials are also asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to avoid flooded roadways. 

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:

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 ‘impassible’ 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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• Los Angeles County
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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.