Heavy rainfall offered Los Angeles a short break on Christmas Day, but the threat of showers, flash flooding, and mudslides continues—especially in areas affected by recent wildfires such as the Palisades and Eaton burn zones. Emergency officials warn that unstable hillsides and saturated soil remain dangerous as more rain moves through the region.
Emergency Declared as Rain Triggers Widespread Disruptions
Following the intense winter storm, Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, declared a local emergency. The storm caused hundreds of traffic collisions, downed trees, and infrastructure emergencies across the city.
A sewage spill forced the closure of Cabrillo Beach, after approximately 10,000 gallons of wastewater contaminated coastal waters. Health officials advised the public to avoid ocean water and wet sand while bacterial testing continues.
Burn Scar Areas Face Elevated Mudslide Danger
Meteorologists reported that up to 10 inches of rain fell in mountain regions this week. The Wrightwood area was especially hard hit, sitting below the Bridge Fire, which burned more than 56,000 acres in 2024. Although some homes were untouched by flames, they are now vulnerable due to weakened soil and lost vegetation.
A Home Overwhelmed by Mud and Water
Resident Misty Cheng, a 49-year-old accountant, described the event as a “nightmare before Christmas.” While she was away, a surge of mud, rocks, and water slammed into her hillside home. A neighbor later told her that looking out through the sliding glass door felt like staring through an aquarium wall.
Cheng asked the neighbor to open doors to allow water to flow through the house rather than build pressure. Although the glass doors held, a garage wall collapsed, and thick mud settled throughout her two-story, three-bedroom home.
She had been restoring the property, built in the 1960s, but now faces an overwhelming cleanup. With debris filling nearly every room, she said the damage is far beyond simple repairs.
Weather Outlook: Storm Weakens, Risks Continue
The most intense portion of the storm system eased on Thursday, but intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Friday. Evacuation orders in burn areas were extended until Friday at 1 p.m., as flash flood and mudslide risks remain high.
According to National Weather Service, the chance of rain was 90% Thursday night and 70% during the day Friday, with precipitation tapering off by nightfall. Despite lighter rainfall, experts caution that already-saturated ground increases the danger of flooding.
By the weekend, sunny and cooler conditions are expected, with highs near 64°F, offering some long-awaited relief.
Storm Impacts Felt Across California
The powerful weather system affected much of the state and was linked to three fatalities:
- A 64-year-old man in San Diego died after a tree fell on him.
- A woman in her 70s was killed by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park.
- A person trapped in a vehicle drowned during flooding in Redding.
In another dramatic rescue, firefighters saved a woman who was swept nine miles down San José Creek, highlighting the extreme power of floodwaters.
Holiday Spirits Persist Despite the Rain
Even with wet conditions, some holiday plans went on uninterrupted. Families visiting Disneyland said rain did not dampen their Christmas celebrations.
Visitors traveling from Sacramento reported difficult driving conditions, especially through the Grapevine, but were still glad they made the trip. Others welcomed the rain, noting that Southern California needs the water after years of drought.
