California officials declared emergencies across multiple Southern California counties as atmospheric rivers and strong winds brought heavy rain, flash-flood risks and power outages. The National Weather Service warned of a "moderate risk" of excessive rainfall through Dec. 26, and some Los Angeles County sites reported more than 11 inches. At least two people died in storm-related incidents, more than 120,000 customers lost power, and evacuation orders affected fire-scarred communities. A second storm was forecast to bring additional rain to coastal and mountain areas.
California Declares State Of Emergency As Atmospheric Rivers Threaten Southern California With Flooding And Power Outages
Grace Hie Yoon/Anadolu via GettyRain in Altadena, California on December 24, 2025
Southern California braced for intense storms over the Christmas holiday as state and local officials mobilized emergency resources in anticipation of heavy rain, strong winds and flash flooding.
Forecast And Official Actions
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Thursday, Dec. 25 of a "moderate risk" of excessive rainfall across parts of Southern California that could persist into the morning of Friday, Dec. 26. Forecasters said the greatest threats include flash flooding on roadways and waterways and an elevated risk of landslides in areas still recovering from past wildfires.
On Dec. 24, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and several other Southern California counties to activate emergency authorities and preposition resources. In a post on X, Newsom said he was taking action because "atmospheric rivers, intense rainfall, and strong winds" were expected to impact the region.
Apu GOMES / AFP via GettyA man walks along the Los Angeles river during heavy rainfall on December 24 in Los Angeles, Calif
Local Responses
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a local declaration of emergency the same day, saying the city would deploy all available tools and resources to support response operations and ensure response teams had necessary supplies and personnel in the days ahead.
Impacts So Far
Some parts of Los Angeles County reported more than 11 inches of rain on Wednesday night, according to The Guardian. The NWS specifically flagged concerns for burn-scarred slopes that are more prone to runoff, erosion and landslides.
PowerOutage.com reported more than 120,000 customers without power across the state, with the largest concentrations of outages in Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties.
Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via GettyFlooded intersection at Hill and G streets in Oxnard on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
Casualties And Rescues
Authorities said at least two people died in weather-related incidents. The California State Highway Patrol told CNN that a motorist was killed in a crash on a roadway in South Sacramento. In San Diego, officials reported a 61-year-old man died when a large portion of a tree fell on him amid strong winds.
First responders also conducted multiple rescues, including retrieving a woman who was swept into San Jose Creek and freeing a man trapped in a small drainage tunnel on the Los Angeles River, according to KESQ-TV.
Evacuations And Ongoing Risks
Evacuation warnings and orders were issued for parts of Los Angeles County. Warnings covered neighborhoods such as Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, Kenneth, Agua and Owen through 11 p.m. Thursday, per CBS News. About 130 homes received evacuation orders in areas including Pacific Palisades—locations previously affected by wildfires, The Guardian reported.
Meteorologists expected a second storm system to arrive later on Thursday, potentially impacting parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Mateo counties. Forecasts called for roughly 1 to 1.5 inches of rain along coastal areas and 2 to 4 inches in the mountains, per CBS News.
Safety Advice
Officials urged residents in vulnerable or evacuation-noticed areas to heed orders, avoid flooded roads, stay away from fast-moving water, and monitor local alerts as crews work to secure communities and restore services.
