Southern California, already reeling from days of relentless rainfall and destructive mudslides, was struck by another powerful storm on Christmas Day, prompting evacuation warnings, widespread power outages, and renewed fears of flooding and landslides across vulnerable communities.
The latest storm system arrived as many regions were still assessing damage from earlier deluges that inundated roads, toppled trees, and forced emergency rescues. Authorities warned that saturated soil conditions significantly increased the risk of mudslides and debris flows, particularly in mountainous and wildfire-scarred areas.
In San Bernardino County, sheriff’s officials issued an evacuation warning for the mountain town of Wrightwood, located about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The alert came one day after first responders rescued multiple people trapped in vehicles during a fast-moving mudslide that swept through parts of the community.
Communities Struggle After Days of Rain
Wrightwood, home to roughly 5,000 residents, was among the hardest-hit areas. Roads were buried under thick mud, rocks, and debris, while downed power lines left large portions of the town without electricity. With businesses shuttered and travel limited, residents relied on a handful of generator-powered locations for basic supplies and warmth.
Gas stations and coffee shops running on backup generators quickly became gathering points for locals and stranded visitors. Despite the chaos, some residents tried to preserve a sense of normalcy during the holiday.
“It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who spent the holiday sheltering with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo.
Lopiccolo said the family considered evacuating when floodwaters washed away part of their backyard, but ultimately decided to remain in place. Without power, they celebrated Christmas by candlelight.
“We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.
Dramatic Rescues and Narrow Escapes
The storms have prompted dramatic rescue efforts across Southern California. In Wrightwood, resident Davey Schneider described trekking more than a mile through rain and floodwater that reached his shins to save cats trapped in his grandfather’s home.
“I wasn’t confident they were going to live,” Schneider said. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re okay—just a little scared.”
Others expressed relief that conditions were not worse. Arlene Corte said roads in her neighborhood turned into rivers, but her home escaped serious damage.
“It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”
With additional rainfall forecast, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, according to San Bernardino County Fire officials. Emergency crews remained on high alert, monitoring hillsides and waterways for signs of renewed debris flows.
“It’s all hands on deck at this point,” said county fire spokesman Shawn Millerick.
Deaths Linked to Severe Weather
Authorities confirmed at least two deaths linked to the recent storms. In San Diego County, a man was killed when a falling tree struck him during high winds. Farther north, a sheriff’s deputy in the Sacramento area died in what officials described as a weather-related crash.
Emergency officials urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed evacuation warnings as conditions continued to deteriorate.
Statewide, more than 70,000 customers were without power Thursday afternoon, according to outage tracking data, as heavy rain and strong winds damaged electrical infrastructure.
Coastal Threats and Massive Surf
The National Weather Service issued high surf advisories along much of the California coastline, warning of dangerous marine conditions. Forecasters said waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach heights of up to 25 feet, posing a serious risk to coastal communities, mariners, and beachgoers.
Flood watches were issued for coastal areas including Malibu, while wind and flood advisories stretched across the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Officials warned that storm-driven waves could cause coastal erosion and damage to piers and beachfront properties.
Atmospheric Rivers Drive Extreme Weather
Meteorologists attributed the severe weather to a series of atmospheric rivers—long, narrow bands of moisture transporting tropical rainfall toward the West Coast. These systems are known for producing intense precipitation over short periods, often overwhelming drainage systems and triggering landslides.
Southern California typically receives between half an inch and one inch of rain at this time of year. This week, however, many locations were expected to receive between four and eight inches of rain, with significantly higher totals in mountainous regions.
The unusually heavy rainfall followed a pattern of increasingly extreme weather events in the state, exacerbated by prolonged droughts and wildfires that strip hillsides of vegetation, leaving soil unable to absorb water efficiently.
Dangerous Conditions in the Mountains
The storm system also brought heavy snowfall to the Sierra Nevada, where officials warned of hazardous travel conditions and a heightened avalanche risk. Gusty winds created near white-out conditions in some mountain passes, forcing temporary closures and stranding motorists.
Around Lake Tahoe, ski resorts reported between one and three feet of fresh snow overnight. Forecasters said an additional three feet of snow could fall before the storm subsides, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour at lower elevations and as high as 100 miles per hour along mountain ridges.
A winter storm warning remained in effect through Friday, and officials urged travelers to avoid mountain routes unless absolutely necessary.
Storm System Expands Eastward
While California bore the brunt of the storm on Christmas Day, meteorologists warned that the same system was expected to move eastward, disrupting travel across the Midwest and Northeast.
Forecasters predicted a dangerous mix of freezing rain and sleet in parts of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Maryland, potentially creating icy road conditions and power outages. Snow was expected to blanket much of the Northeast by early Friday, further complicating post-holiday travel.
The National Weather Service cautioned that the timing of the storm—during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year—could lead to significant delays and hazardous driving conditions.
State Response and Emergency Declarations
Governor Gavin Newsom declared states of emergency in six California counties, enabling the rapid deployment of resources and assistance. The state mobilized emergency personnel and equipment to coastal and Southern California regions, while the California National Guard was placed on standby.
Officials emphasized that residents in flood-prone and burn-scar areas should remain prepared to evacuate on short notice.
As storms continued to batter the state, emergency agencies reiterated a simple message: stay informed, stay off the roads when possible, and take evacuation warnings seriously.
With additional rainfall still in the forecast, Californians faced a tense and uncertain end to the holiday week, bracing for further impacts from a storm system that has already left destruction, displacement, and loss in its wake.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
