Southern California is suffering a wet Christmas – with the “white” reserved only for high mountain communities.
A a strong storm battered the region with torrential rain Wednesday, courtesy of a plume of moisture “Pineapple Express” from the south.
“If you are planning to be on the streets for the Christmas holidays, please reconsider your plans,” said Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning and flood watch covering much of Southern California through Thursday afternoon. A high wind warning is also in effect until 3 pm Thursday, with gusts topping 50 mph in some areas. Coastal communities face a high surf advisory through Saturday, with waves up to 10 feet and a gale warning.
The rain threatened to trigger mudslides in areas burned by recent wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Sunset Fire, all in Los Angeles County, although no major debris flows had been reported as of 10:00 am Wednesday.
Those living near burn scars were told to prepare to evacuate and protect their homes with sandbags.
NOAA satellite view of the storm over California on December 24, 2025.
Two of the region’s popular theme parks, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm, announced they will be closed Wednesday due to inclement weather.
Southern California typically gets 0.5 to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.
By mid-morning, some areas of Los Angeles County had received more than two inches of rain. Canoga Park, in the San Fernando Valley, received more than three inches. Bel Air, Hollywood and Beverly Hills saw more than an inch of rain.
“The threat posed by this storm is real and imminent,” warned Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell. He urged people in burn scar areas to reconsider trying to ride out the storm home.
Officials have taken steps to reduce the risk in and around burn scars, with Los Angeles County installing K-rails — barriers designed to catch sliding debris — and offering free sandbags to residents.
Snow levels are expected to remain above 7,500 to 8,000 feet through Christmas Eve, then drop to 6,500 to 7,000 feet on Christmas Day and as low as 5,500 feet by Friday, according to the Weather Service.
Minor flooding and road debris in Gorman, California, on December 24, 2025. (RMG Media)
Atmospheric rivers carry moisture from the tropics to northern latitudes in long, narrow bands of water vapor that form over an ocean and pass through the sky.
The storm has already caused damage in Northern California, where flooding led to water rescues and at least one death, authorities said. Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson declared a local state of emergency earlier this week to prepare for more rain and allow for additional search and rescue and hazard mitigation efforts.
KTLA meteorologist Mark Kriski said the storm will begin to subside late Thursday.
“Future forecast – things will start to break down towards Friday and into the weekend,” Kriski said. “Some sunshine may return Saturday and Sunday, but another system may roll over early next week.
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