The Pacific storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, is dumping heavy rain across Southern California and raising the risk of life‑threatening flooding, debris flows and mudslides — especially on recent burn scars around Los Angeles. Evacuation orders are in effect for vulnerable properties in the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset burn scars from Friday evening through Sunday morning. The Weather Prediction Center placed much of the region at a Level 3 of 4 flood risk for Saturday, with rain rates possibly reaching 1 inch per hour and isolated severe storms possible. Although the heaviest rain should ease late Saturday, saturated ground and lingering showers into Sunday mean hazards will persist.
Life‑Threatening Flooding and Mudslide Risk in Southern California as Pacific Storm and Atmospheric River Bring Heavy Rain
The Pacific storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, is dumping heavy rain across Southern California and raising the risk of life‑threatening flooding, debris flows and mudslides — especially on recent burn scars around Los Angeles. Evacuation orders are in effect for vulnerable properties in the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset burn scars from Friday evening through Sunday morning. The Weather Prediction Center placed much of the region at a Level 3 of 4 flood risk for Saturday, with rain rates possibly reaching 1 inch per hour and isolated severe storms possible. Although the heaviest rain should ease late Saturday, saturated ground and lingering showers into Sunday mean hazards will persist.
05:41 PM, 11/15/2025Environment
Life‑Threatening Flooding and Mudslide Risk in Southern California
A strong Pacific storm — enhanced by an atmospheric river — is bringing heavy rain to Southern California, raising the risk of life‑threatening flooding, debris flows and mudslides, especially across recent wildfire burn scars in the Los Angeles area.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued evacuation orders for “vulnerable properties” within the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset burn scars, effective Friday evening through Sunday morning, according to a city news release.
The multi‑day system arrived Thursday over northern and central California. Through Friday morning, widespread coastal totals of 1–2 inches were reported, with isolated 3–5 inch amounts in the coastal mountain ranges. San Francisco recorded nearly 1.5 inches on Thursday — about 75% of the city’s average November rainfall.
The flood threat intensified as an atmospheric river funneled additional moisture from the Pacific into the system. The Weather Prediction Center placed much of the region, including large parts of Los Angeles County, at a Level 3 of 4 risk for flooding rainfall on Saturday. Saturday’s second round of rain is expected to be heavier than Friday’s, with periods of rain potentially reaching rates of about 1 inch per hour.
Because the ground will already be saturated from earlier precipitation, additional rainfall will run off more quickly and can produce faster, more dangerous flooding than it would over dry soil. Areas scarred by recent wildfires are particularly vulnerable: fires remove vegetation that normally soaks up water and can create a water‑repellent layer in soil that increases runoff and the chance of debris flows.
There is also a risk of isolated severe thunderstorms late Friday into Saturday. Some storms could produce damaging wind gusts, hail and even short‑lived tornadoes.
The National Weather Service has issued flood watches through Saturday evening for much of the Los Angeles area and warns the storm could trigger life‑threatening debris flows, widespread road flooding and power outages. In addition to the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset burn scars, the NWS identified parts of the Eaton and Bridge burn scars as having a high threat of "significant" debris flows.
The heaviest rainfall is expected to ease late Saturday, but showers are forecast to linger into Sunday. With soils saturated, even modest additional rain could spark new localized flooding, keep roads slick and impede drainage in areas that typically drain slowly after major storms.
Reporting contributions: CNN’s Joe Sutton.
Safety reminders: Follow local evacuation orders and guidance, avoid driving through flooded roads, and stay tuned to local National Weather Service and emergency management updates.