by Los Angeles, California — A powerful Christmas storm system drenched much of California with record-breaking rainfall, flooding highways, triggering evacuations, and forcing dozens of water rescues as rivers, creeks, and burn-scarred hillsides overflowed under relentless downpours.
Southern California was hit hardest late Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, with emergency officials reporting rapid flooding, mudslides, and dangerous debris flows, particularly in foothill and mountain communities northeast of Los Angeles.
Dozens Rescued as Floodwaters Rise
In Wrightwood, a small mountain community in the San Gabriel Mountains, at least dozens of residents were rescued overnight as floodwaters and mudslides swept through neighborhoods. Christopher Prater, a public information officer with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, said more than 120 emergency responders were deployed to carry out rescues and assess damage.
Video released by county officials showed mud and fast-moving floodwater surging past cabins surrounded by pine forest.
“It was pretty dynamic,” Prater said, noting that crews were still prioritizing life safety and diversion of water and debris to protect homes.
No deaths were reported in Wrightwood, though one child was transported to the hospital with a minor injury, according to fire officials.
Governor Declares State of Emergency
As conditions deteriorated across the region, Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Southern California on Wednesday, warning that impacts could continue until the region begins to dry out later in the weekend.
Power outages also spread as the storm intensified. By Thursday afternoon, more than 100,000 customers across California were without electricity, according to utility data.
Rainfall Records Shattered Near Los Angeles
The National Weather Service confirmed that daily rainfall records for Christmas Eve were broken at multiple locations, including Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Oxnard, and Woodland Hills.
Some foothill areas near Los Angeles recorded up to 10 inches of rain, overwhelming drainage systems and accelerating runoff.
Forecasters warned that the risk was heightened because any additional rainfall would immediately turn into runoff, especially in areas with saturated ground or recent wildfire burn scars.
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More Rain and Flooding Threat Ahead
Meteorologists said the storm pattern remained active, with two more rounds of rainfall expected through Friday, including heavy showers and the potential for thunderstorms.
“The potential for flooding will be high during this period,” forecasters wrote. Flash flooding remains a major concern, particularly in urban areas, near small streams, and in previously burned regions prone to mudslides and rockfalls.
Even as rainfall weakens, residual flooding is expected to persist into Thursday night, with continued risks of landslides and road washouts.
Fatalities Reported as Storm Turns Deadly
The severe weather has already claimed lives. In San Diego County, a man in his 60s or 70s died after suffering cardiac arrest when a large tree branch fell on him, according to NBC San Diego. Family members said he had stepped outside to move his car ahead of Christmas Eve celebrations.
In Northern California, Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy James Caravallo was killed in what authorities described as a weather-related crash while driving to work. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said Caravallo had served the department for 19 years.
Highways Closed as Water and Debris Spread
Flooding caused lane and highway closures across multiple counties. In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, mud and debris temporarily blocked parts of northbound I-5 near Lankershim Boulevard.
Farther north, the California Department of Transportation closed State Route 99 between Garden Brook Drive and Keefer Road due to flooding early Thursday.
Video from Los Angeles showed water pouring off buildings and highways submerged under muddy runoff, underscoring the storm’s widespread impact.
Storm System Impacts the Rest of the Country
While California dealt with flooding rain, the same storm system brought wintry weather to the Northeast. The National Weather Service warned of ice storms and heavy snow across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, with up to 8 inches of snow possible in some areas and hazardous travel conditions expected through Saturday.
Emergency Crews Remain on Alert
With additional rain still possible and ground conditions unstable, emergency officials urged residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roads, and heed evacuation warnings if issued.
As California begins the slow recovery from a destructive Christmas storm, authorities stress that the danger is not yet over.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the flooding or road closures? Share your experience in the comments below.
