California was hit by a strong atmospheric river that dropped heavy rain across coastal areas and prompted evacuation warnings for communities at risk of floods and mudslides, particularly below recent burn scars. Coastal Santa Barbara recorded more than 4 inches of rain, and 2–5 inches are expected across low-lying southern California over 48 hours, with higher totals on mountain slopes. Officials warned the second surge — Friday night into Saturday — poses the greatest threat of dangerous flooding, debris flows and road closures; heavy Sierra Nevada snow is also likely. Residents were urged to avoid travel, follow local guidance and prepare for infrastructure impacts.
California Hit by Powerful 'Atmospheric River' — Evacuation Warnings, Flooding and Mudslide Risks
California was hit by a strong atmospheric river that dropped heavy rain across coastal areas and prompted evacuation warnings for communities at risk of floods and mudslides, particularly below recent burn scars. Coastal Santa Barbara recorded more than 4 inches of rain, and 2–5 inches are expected across low-lying southern California over 48 hours, with higher totals on mountain slopes. Officials warned the second surge — Friday night into Saturday — poses the greatest threat of dangerous flooding, debris flows and road closures; heavy Sierra Nevada snow is also likely. Residents were urged to avoid travel, follow local guidance and prepare for infrastructure impacts.
03:01 AM, 11/15/2025Environment
Powerful storm drenches Southern California as evacuation warnings are issued
A potent atmospheric river soaked large parts of California on Friday, bringing heavy rain to coastal areas and prompting evacuation warnings as officials scrambled to prepare for flooding, mudslides, severe thunderstorms and a small chance of a tornado over the weekend.
Rain and risks: Coastal Santa Barbara County recorded more than 4 inches of rain as the system pushed south toward Los Angeles. Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that southern California could see two surges of rainfall through Sunday, with 2–5 inches expected across low-lying areas in a 48-hour period and locally higher totals on coastal slopes. Rainfall along the Transverse Ranges could exceed 6 inches by Sunday.
Burn-scar danger: Communities in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties — especially neighborhoods below recent wildfire burn scars — face elevated risks of dangerous debris flows and mudslides. Officials issued evacuation warnings through Sunday morning for areas affected by recent blazes, including major fires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year.
'In creeks and rivers, the flows will be heavy with anyone in or near those channels at risk of being swept away,' the NWS said in an update, adding that debris flows could block roadways and damage infrastructure.
Forecasters cautioned that uncertainty remains about the exact timing and location of the heaviest rainfall and warned the storm could stall over a particular area, amplifying impacts. They also highlighted the threat of severe, localized thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and even a brief tornado.
Closures and disruptions: The storm has already prompted event cancellations and closures: musician Tyler, the Creator postponed a festival planned at Dodger Stadium; regional theme parks Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain closed; and Topanga Canyon Boulevard — hard hit by the Palisades fire earlier this year — was closed at 10 p.m. Thursday due to high debris-flow risk, the California Department of Transportation said.
There have been scattered incidents but no widespread catastrophic damage so far. Local outlets reported a large fallen tree that crushed a car in a Los Angeles neighborhood on Friday morning; fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Mountain weather: Heavy snow is expected at higher elevations, with up to a foot forecast along parts of the Sierra Nevada and as much as 18 inches possible on the highest peaks.
Bay Area: Most immediate dangers eased in the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday; previously issued wind and flood advisories were allowed to expire after gusts reached 80 mph in Marin County. However, forecasters say more rain is expected next week as multiple systems move through the region.
Officials urged residents to follow local orders, avoid unnecessary travel, move vehicles away from flood-prone areas, and be prepared for power outages and blocked roads. 'Saturday would be a great day to plan indoor activities & avoid traveling if possible to stay safe,' the NWS Los Angeles posted in a forecast update.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.