LOS ANGELES, CA – November 15, 2025 – Southern California is on high alert as an exceptionally powerful atmospheric river storm intensifies, threatening widespread flooding, dangerous debris flows, and potentially severe weather across the region. This atmospheric river storm is expected to peak today, Saturday, November 15, prompting urgent warnings from officials and extensive preparations for millions of residents. The impacts of this atmospheric river storm are being closely watched.
Flood watches are currently in effect for approximately 20 million people across a vast expanse of Southern California, encompassing Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) warn that rainfall rates could reach a critical one inch per hour in some areas, particularly along the coastal slopes of the Transverse Ranges, where accumulations might exceed six inches by Sunday. This significant precipitation could lead to downtown Los Angeles experiencing its wettest November in 40 years, potentially surpassing records set in 1985 due to the atmospheric river storm.
Amplified Risks in Burn Scar Areas from Atmospheric River Storm
The storm’s arrival follows a series of destructive wildfires that have left significant portions of the landscape vulnerable. The already unstable hillsides in areas recently scorched by blazes such as the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Sunset, and Hurst fires are at a heightened risk for fast-moving mud and debris flows. These dangerous landslides, composed of a destructive mixture of mud, rocks, and debris, can be triggered by relatively short bursts of intense rainfall, moving with punishing speed and capable of inundating homes and sweeping away vehicles. Evacuation warnings have been issued for residents in these vulnerable burn scar zones, with officials urging immediate readiness to leave at a moment’s notice due to the potential for a debris flow warning associated with this atmospheric river storm.
Potential for Severe Weather and Urban Impacts of the Atmospheric River Storm
Beyond the persistent heavy rains and landslide threats, there is a small but significant chance of more severe weather developing. Forecasters have not ruled out the possibility of locally damaging wind gusts and even isolated tornadoes forming within the storm’s most intense bands. The widespread rainfall also raises concerns about Los Angeles flooding, with potential for significant road closures, traffic incidents, and power outages across the Los Angeles basin and surrounding communities from this atmospheric river storm.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s track, as the precise positioning of the heaviest rain bands could influence the severity of impacts across different counties. While some areas might experience slightly less intense rainfall, the risk for significant flooding and debris flows remains a primary concern due to the prolonged duration of the storm, with widespread rain expected to continue through Sunday, a hallmark of this atmospheric river storm.
Official Preparedness and Public Advisories for the Atmospheric River Storm
Emergency management agencies and local authorities are mobilizing resources and issuing stern advisories to the public. Residents are strongly urged to avoid nonessential travel, especially during periods of heaviest rainfall, and to never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as flash floods can develop rapidly and are a leading cause of storm-related fatalities. Sandbags are being made available at various Los Angeles Fire Department stations, and residents are encouraged to secure outdoor items and prepare emergency supply kits for storm preparedness.
Utility companies, including LADWP, have crews on standby to address potential power interruptions, while city services are monitoring landslide-risk zones and preparing debris basins to manage storm runoff. Los Angeles World Airports is advising travelers to check flight statuses due to potential operational disruptions. The NWS is providing continuous updates, and residents can access emergency alerts and safety information through local government websites and dedicated mobile applications for this severe weather warning.
The news spotlight is firmly on this developing weather event, which underscores the critical need for preparedness in the face of California weather. As the atmospheric river continues its sweep across the state, officials emphasize vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks posed by this powerful atmospheric river storm system.
