Heavy rain and strong winds struck Southern California this weekend, affecting roughly 22 million people and causing multiple storm-related incidents, including at least one confirmed fatality in Sutter County. Flood watches cover Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Diego, with a level 3 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall in LA and Santa Barbara. Burn‑scar areas face heightened danger of mudslides and debris flows, and officials have issued evacuation warnings and some orders. While the heaviest rain should ease Saturday night, forecasters warn that flooding and landslide risks could persist into early next week.
Powerful Storm Batters Southern California — Heavy Rain, Flooding and Mudslide Risks After Weekend Downpours
Heavy rain and strong winds struck Southern California this weekend, affecting roughly 22 million people and causing multiple storm-related incidents, including at least one confirmed fatality in Sutter County. Flood watches cover Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Diego, with a level 3 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall in LA and Santa Barbara. Burn‑scar areas face heightened danger of mudslides and debris flows, and officials have issued evacuation warnings and some orders. While the heaviest rain should ease Saturday night, forecasters warn that flooding and landslide risks could persist into early next week.
02:07 AM, 11/16/2025Environment
Dangerous storm drenches Southern California
Heavy rain and strong winds pummeled much of Southern California this weekend, forcing flood watches, evacuation warnings and emergency responses across the region. Officials say at least one person has died in storm-related incidents and roughly 22 million people are being affected by flooding and high winds.
Fatalities and incidents
In Sutter County, a 71-year-old man was killed Friday afternoon after floodwaters swept his Mazda CX-5 off a bridge, the California Highway Patrol reported. The Pleasant Grove Creek Bridge had about two to three feet of water flowing over the roadway following intense rain.
Separately, Monterey County authorities reported a tragic incident in which a father was killed and a 5-year-old girl was missing after being pulled into the ocean by a large wave.
Forecast and hazards
Meteorologists warned rainfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour in some spots, with scattered thunderstorms posing risks of strong gusts, dangerous lightning and possible hail. Flood watches remained in effect through Saturday evening for Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Diego counties.
The Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas were placed under a level 3 of 4 risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding. The mountains of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties were expected to see some of the highest totals — potentially 4 to 6 inches — compared with Los Angeles' average of about 0.8 inches for all of November.
Burn scars, mudslides and evacuations
Areas burned by recent wildfires are especially vulnerable: denuded slopes can produce rapid flash floods, dangerous debris flows and mudslides. Evacuation warnings have been issued for some burn‑scar neighborhoods, and authorities have ordered evacuations in select zones judged to be at heightened risk.
Outlook
The heaviest rain was forecast to ease by Saturday night, but an unsettled pattern is expected to linger into early next week. Forecasters cautioned that flash flooding, debris flows, mudslides and landslides could continue for several days as additional rain falls on already saturated soils and sensitive terrain.
Safety reminder: Avoid driving through floodwaters, steer clear of riverbanks and steep burned slopes, and follow local evacuation orders and alerts.