The **California storm** has begun to ease, but significant flood and mudslide risks linger after a very wet Christmas. Coastal areas are experiencing high surf. Los Angeles faces continued flood threats. The Sierra Nevada mountains are on alert for avalanches. The mountain town of Wrightwood is under evacuation warnings due to the persistent danger of mudslides from this **California storm**.
The storms delivered a historic amount of rain. Downtown Los Angeles experienced its wettest Christmas season in 54 years. Some areas received between 4 and 8 inches of rain. Mountain regions saw even more precipitation. The atmospheric river event brought “months’ worth of rain”, exacerbating the impact of the **California storm**.
This intense weather event caused considerable disruption. At least three deaths have been attributed to the storms. Power outages affected approximately 70,000 homes and businesses overnight. Other reports indicate up to 100,000 people lost power on Thursday evening due to the powerful **California storm**.
Intense Rainfall and Widespread Flooding from the California Storm
Southern California recorded its wettest Christmas Eve-Christmas Day on record. Many areas received rainfall totals not seen in decades. For example, downtown Los Angeles saw 2.59 inches of rain from Christmas Eve through noon on Christmas Day. This made it the wettest holiday period since 1971. Some locations set new daily rainfall records on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. These included Los Angeles International Airport, Burbank Airport, and Woodland Hills, all impacted by the severe **California storm**.
The heavy rainfall saturated the ground. This greatly exacerbated the **LA flood risk**. Roads were closed across the region. Los Angeles County reported over 100 flooded roadways. Parts of Interstate 5 in Los Angeles were closed due to flooding, a common consequence of a significant **California storm**.
Mudslide and Debris Flow Threats from the California Storm
The persistent rain has heightened the danger of mudslides and debris flows. This risk is particularly acute in areas that were recently burned by wildfires. These burn scar zones lack vegetation. They are less able to absorb water, making them highly susceptible to erosion. The **mudslide warnings Wrightwood** faced are a direct result of this phenomenon following the **California storm**.
In San Bernardino County, the mountain town of Wrightwood faced significant threats. Evacuation warnings were issued for Wrightwood. This was due to the imminent risk of mudslides. County firefighters rescued people trapped in cars. Mud and debris rushed down roads leading into the town. Roads in Wrightwood were covered in rocks and thick mud. Some residents were advised to shelter in place. Others faced mandatory evacuation orders, highlighting the severe **California storm** impacts.
Sierra Nevada Snow and Avalanche Risk from the California Storm
The powerful storm system also impacted the Sierra Nevada mountains. Heavy snow and strong gusts created near white-out conditions. Travel through mountain passes became treacherous. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a backcountry avalanche warning. They noted a “high” **Sierra avalanche danger**. This was due to rapidly accumulating snowfall and gale-force winds. Avalanches were expected to occur across backcountry terrain on Thursday and Thursday night, a direct consequence of the intense **California storm**. Ski areas and highways with mitigation programs were excluded from the warning.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Impacts from the California Storm
The storms caused widespread power outages across California. On Christmas Day, over 110,000 homes and businesses were without power. Earlier, about 70,000 homes and businesses had lost power overnight. The Bay Area also experienced significant outages. Tens of thousands of PG&E customers were in the dark on Christmas morning. These included areas in the North Bay, Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay. The storms downed trees and power lines, a common issue with a powerful **California storm**.
Looking Ahead: Continued Risks from the California Storm
While the main storm system was beginning to ease on Friday, December 26, 2025, officials cautioned that risks persist. The ground remains saturated. This means even light rainfall could trigger further flooding. High surf will continue along the coast. Avalanche danger in the Sierra Nevada remains a concern. Flash flooding is a continued threat near Los Angeles. The region is preparing for the possibility of more atmospheric rivers impacting the West Coast, following this intense **California storm update**.
The “Pineapple Express” atmospheric river brought this extreme weather. Scientists link such intense weather swings to climate change. This trend of “hydroclimate whiplash” is anticipated to continue globally. California’s recent drought-to-deluge cycle highlights this pattern. The state’s response highlights its vulnerability to extreme weather. Preparedness efforts remain crucial after the **Christmas storm California** experienced.
This current situation highlights the dynamic nature of **California weather risks**. Residents are advised to stay informed. They should follow official guidance from emergency services. Travel should be undertaken with extreme caution. The ongoing weather impacts continue to be trending news in Los Angeles. The **atmospheric river impacts** were significant and widespread, demonstrating the power of the latest **California storm**.
