A powerful atmospheric river storm has claimed a third life in Southern California, unleashing torrential rain, severe flooding, and triggering mudslides across the region. The relentless weather system, forecast to persist through the Christmas holiday, has prompted states of emergency and widespread evacuation orders.
State of Emergency Declared Amid Widespread Flooding
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles County and several other southern counties on Wednesday, 24 December 2025. The declaration cited significant risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in areas scarred by wildfires from the previous year. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass followed suit, declaring a local emergency and urging all residents to avoid travel and heed official warnings.
More than 11 inches (279mm) of rainfall was recorded in parts of Los Angeles County by Wednesday night, leading to a flood watch extended through Thursday. The US Weather Prediction Centre warned of a "moderate risk of excessive rainfall," with numerous flash floods possible and the potential for larger rivers to overflow.
Casualties and Dramatic Rescues
The storm's deadly impact was confirmed by San Diego police, who reported that a 64-year-old man, Roberto Ruiz, was killed in the City Heights neighbourhood on Wednesday morning. A 75-foot tall tree fell on him as he stepped outside to move his car.
In a separate incident highlighting the storm's ferocity, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported a woman was swept nine miles down the San Jose Creek before being rescued. Fire spokesperson Pauline McGee told the LA Times the victim had been carried a significant distance downstream before crews could reach her.
Mudslide Threats and Major Disruption
Evacuation orders were issued for approximately 130 homes in Los Angeles areas, specifically the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood, deemed highly vulnerable to mudslides and debris flows. Experts explained that land stripped by recent wildfires has become hydrophobic, meaning rain runs off the soil as if it were concrete, vastly increasing the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
"Those soils are still hydrophobic... There are burn scars that have lasted for four or five years before you see any improvement," meteorologist Scott Kleebauer told Bloomberg.
The storm's widespread disruption included:
- Closure of the major Angeles Crest Highway in two locations due to flooding.
- Numerous rockslides reported in mountain areas.
- Flooded freeways, road closures, and significant flight delays.
- A rare tornado warning issued for a portion of east-central Los Angeles County.
Although rainfall temporarily subsided on Wednesday night, forecasters warned a second wave of the storm system was due to hit the region on Thursday, prolonging the hazardous conditions over the Christmas period.
