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A powerful Christmas week storm driven by an intense atmospheric river is
sweeping across Southern California, dumping inches of rain, triggering evacuation
warnings, and putting already vulnerable communities on high alert for mudslides,
flash flooding, and debris flows. Among the most closely watched areas is
Wrightwood, where a shelter-in-place order has now been downgraded to an
evacuation warning as more rain is forecast in the coming days.
The storm, which intensified during Christmas Eve and continued into Christmas
Day, has created dangerous driving conditions, forced coastal closures, disrupted
emergency services, and prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a
state of emergency for parts of Southern California.
With saturated ground, recent burn scars, and additional rainfall expected through
Friday, officials warn that the threat is far from over.
Atmospheric River Slams Southern California During
Christmas Week
Meteorologists confirm that this storm system is fueled by a strong atmospheric
river, a long and narrow band of moisture capable of transporting massive
amounts of water vapor from the Pacific Ocean directly into California.
Through Wednesday alone, 2 to 4 inches of rain fell across much of Southern
California, while some communities recorded 4 to 8 inches, and foothill and
mountain regions saw totals approaching 10 inches. These rainfall amounts are
particularly dangerous because they follow a dry season marked by wildfires,
leaving soil unable to absorb heavy moisture.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rainfall will continue through
Friday, with periods of locally heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and gusty winds
adding to the storm’s destructive potential.
Wrightwood: Shelter-in-Place Downgraded to Evacuation
Warning
The mountain community of Wrightwood, located in San Bernardino County,
remains one of the hardest-hit areas.
Initially placed under a shelter-in-place order, authorities announced Thursday
that the order had been changed to an evacuation warning. The San Bernardino
County Sheriff’s Department cited a continued risk of mud and debris flows due to
incoming rainfall.
“There is still a potential for mud and debris flows from an approaching storm that
may affect your area,” the department stated.
Nearby Lytle Creek is also under an evacuation warning, while emergency crews
continue monitoring drainage channels, slopes, and burn scars that could fail
without warning.
Some Evacuation Warnings Lifted Across San Bernardino
County
While the danger remains high in certain zones, officials confirmed that evacuation
warnings have been lifted for several communities in San Bernardino County,
offering temporary relief to residents.
Areas where warnings have been lifted include:
Forest Falls
Seven Oaks
Angelus Oaks
Northeast Yucaipa
Portions of Oak Glen
Highland, near the Line Fire burn scar south of Greenspot Road
Residents are strongly encouraged to continue using official evacuation maps and
emergency alerts, as conditions may change rapidly if rainfall intensifies.
Emergency Crews Respond Amid Brief Break in Rain
A short lull in rainfall Thursday morning allowed San Bernardino County Fire
Department crews to deploy into severely impacted neighborhoods, including
Wrightwood, to assist with rescue and recovery operations.
Video footage released by officials shows flash flooding rushing through residential
areas, trapping residents inside homes and forcing door-to-door evacuations.
Emergency responders worked alongside the Los Angeles County Fire Department
under a unified command structure to ensure rapid response.
Despite the temporary break, officials warned that the storm system is far from
finished, urging residents not to let their guard down.
Ventura Under Flood Watch as Pier Closes
In Ventura, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Christmas night, prompting city
officials to close the Ventura Pier and issue evacuation orders for low-lying areas.
Forecasts indicate that 5 to 6 inches of rain could fall in the city, significantly
raising the Ventura River and increasing flood risk.
Key impacts include:
Ventura Beach RV Park placed under evacuation order
High Surf Advisory through Friday morning
Limited sandbags available on a first-come, first-served basis
Officials urged residents and visitors to prepare to evacuate quickly if conditions
deteriorate further.
Los Angeles County Faces Flash Flood and Mudslide Threats
Although rainfall briefly eased by Christmas morning, Los Angeles County remains
under significant threat from additional showers and thunderstorms.
The National Weather Service predicts:
50% chance of rain during the day Thursday
80% chance of rain Thursday night
Up to ¾ inch of additional rainfall overnight, with higher totals in thunderstorms
Recent burn areas, including those affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, are
particularly vulnerable to mudslides and debris flows.
Flash Flood Warnings Issued for Southwest Los Angeles
County
On Thursday morning, the NWS issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwest Los
Angeles County after Doppler radar detected intense thunderstorms producing
heavy rainfall.
Areas at high risk include:
Eastern Malibu
Pacific Palisades
Topanga State Park
Malibu Canyon and Los Virgenes Roads
Mandeville Canyon
Officials warned of rapid flooding of streets, underpasses, creeks, and urban
drainage systems, urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Thunderstorms, High Winds, and Tornado Risk
Southern Ventura County experienced strong thunderstorms with wind gusts
reaching 50 mph. Meteorologists noted weak radar rotation, cautioning that a
brief, weak tornado could not be ruled out, though none were confirmed.
Meanwhile, high wind warnings remain in effect for:
Tehachapi
Frazier Park
Lebec
Grapevine Pass
Sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, threaten power lines,
trees, and high-profile vehicles, particularly along major mountain routes.
Statewide Impacts: Snow, Power Outages, and Travel Hazards
Beyond Southern California, the storm is impacting much of the state.
A Winter Storm Warning remains active for the Sierra Nevada above 7,000 feet,
with up to 12 inches of snow per day expected. By the weekend, snow could reach
elevations as low as 5,000 feet, creating hazardous travel conditions.
The NWS warned of:
Widespread power outages
Dangerous mountain travel
Falling debris and tree limbs
Residents were advised to stay indoors, avoid windows, and exercise extreme
caution if travel is unavoidable.
Emergency Declared as Infrastructure Strains
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a local emergency declaration, citing
widespread impacts across the city.
Emergency response updates include:
More than 100 traffic accidents reported
Nearly 500 tree emergencies handled by city crews
Five traffic signals damaged
Multiple river rescue incidents
Additionally, a 10,000-gallon sewage spill near Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro has
created hazardous water conditions, prompting health officials to advise the public
to avoid contact with ocean water and wet sand until testing confirms safety.
Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency
Governor Gavin Newsom formally declared a state of emergency for affected
Southern California regions, enabling rapid deployment of state resources and
emergency funding.
Officials emphasize that the declaration allows:
Faster emergency response
Increased coordination among agencies
Access to disaster relief funding
Residents are urged to remain alert, monitor official updates, and follow evacuation
guidance without delay.
When Will the Storm End?
According to forecasters, showers are expected to gradually taper off by late Friday
evening, with drier and warmer weather returning through the middle of next week.
However, officials caution that landslide and flooding risks may persist even after
rainfall stops, especially in burn-scarred and mountainous regions.
Authorities across Southern California continue to urge residents to take the storm
seriously.
“Please do not take this storm lightly,” Mayor Bass said. “Follow official guidance,
plan ahead, and stay safe.”
Residents are encouraged to:
Sign up for local emergency alerts
Prepare evacuation kits
Avoid flooded roads
Stay informed through official weather updates
As Christmas week unfolds, the focus remains on safety, preparedness, and rapid
response as Southern California weathers one of its most impactful storms of the
season.
