Southern California is on high alert as a powerful atmospheric river storm is set to bring severe weather, including potentially record-breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, and dangerous mudflows associated with this significant California Rainstorm. Forecasters predict the storm, which began impacting the region Thursday, November 13, 2025, will peak over the weekend, raising significant concerns, particularly for areas recently scarred by wildfires.
Atmospheric River Storm Impacts Southern California
The approaching storm system is characterized as an atmospheric river, a concentrated band of moisture in the atmosphere that can transport vast amounts of water vapor from the tropics. This phenomenon is expected to drench much of Southern California, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated from Friday night into Saturday, November 15, 2025. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) warn of a long-duration event with many hours of widespread rain during this California Rainstorm. Peak rainfall rates on Saturday could reach 0.75 to 1.25 inches per hour in some areas, a rate sufficient to trigger landslides. The Los Angeles area, in particular, is forecast to receive substantial amounts of rain from this California Rainstorm. Predictions suggest downtown Los Angeles could see approximately 2.62 inches of rain from Friday morning through Sunday. If this forecast holds, it would mark the wettest November for the city since 1985. Some coastal slopes and mountainous regions could even experience up to 8 inches of rain. This is a significant departure from recent Novembers; for instance, downtown Los Angeles recorded only 0.14 inches in November 2024 and 0.36 inches in November 2023, highlighting the intensity of the current California Rainstorm.
Risks of Flooding and Mudslides Escalate During California Rainstorm
The significant rainfall poses a severe flood threat, with swollen rivers and overflowing creeks. Urban areas and small streams are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding. Adding to these concerns is the elevated mudslide risk, especially in areas that have recently experienced wildfires. The soil in these burn scar zones, having been denuded of vegetation and altered by intense heat, can become less absorbent, leading to rapid surface runoff that carries mud, rocks, and debris downhill, a common danger during a California Rainstorm.
Burn Scar Areas Under Evacuation Warnings for This California Rainstorm
Areas affected by recent wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Sunset, and Hurst fires from January 2025, are at the forefront of evacuation warnings. Los Angeles County officials have issued these warnings, urging residents in or near these burn scars to be prepared for immediate evacuation due to the potential impacts of this California Rainstorm. The National Weather Service has highlighted these zones as having a high risk for debris flows. Emergency resources have been pre-deployed to communities in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties to bolster preparedness and response efforts for the upcoming California Rainstorm. Sandbags and K-rails are being utilized in vulnerable areas to mitigate potential damage.
Broader Weather Impacts of the California Rainstorm
Beyond the heavy rain, the atmospheric river storm is also expected to bring strong, gusty winds, with potential for localized thunderstorms, hail, and a remote possibility of weak tornadoes. These winds could impact transportation, especially for high-profile vehicles on freeways. Flight delays are also anticipated at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to the severe Southern California weather conditions on Friday and Saturday, amplifying the challenges posed by this California Rainstorm.
Looking Ahead After the California Rainstorm
While the storm brings the immediate threat of hazardous conditions, it also presents a potential silver lining: a significant reduction in wildfire risk and a possible early end to the autumn fire season in California. However, the immediate focus remains on public safety, with authorities urging residents to stay informed, prepare emergency kits, and heed all evacuation orders and advisories related to this significant California Rainstorm. The full extent of the storm’s impact will become clearer as it progresses through the weekend. This developing news story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available for the Los Angeles region, focusing on the aftermath and recovery from this intense California Rainstorm.
