The morning of Christmas Eve brought an intense downpour to much of Southern California, turning the mountain town of Wrightwood into a scene of flash flooding and mudslides.
A Storm Unleashed
A winter storm that delivered hours of rain on Christmas Eve produced flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows in Wrightwood, a San Bernardino County town perched at about 6,200 feet and home to roughly 4,700 residents. Steady rain hammered the community for hours Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, creating several inches of water and mud on the roads.
Immediate Response
Law-enforcement officers began door-to-door checks in the hardest-hit areas, urging residents in high-danger zones to evacuate immediately. An evacuation warning was in effect from Pine Street to the Los Angeles County line, and later Wednesday afternoon the sheriff’s department urged residents to shelter in place as rain was expected to continue into Christmas Day.
Fire crews reported several rescues involving people trapped in vehicles, and video footage showed roads slick with water and mud. An evacuation center was established at Serrano High School to provide shelter for those displaced.
Rescues and Shelter
The San Bernardino County Fire Department remained in command of the incident, focusing on life safety as the rain persisted and worsened mud and debris flows. Crews continued door-to-door checks in impacted areas.
> “San Bernardino County Fire remains in command of the Wrightwood Incident as ongoing rain continues to worsen mud and debris flows and flooding. The primary focus remains life safety. Crews are conducting door-to-door checks in impacted areas,” the department tweeted on December 24, 2025.
Community Impact
The combination of heavy rain, flooding, and mudslides has left Wrightwood residents scrambling to secure their homes and vehicles. The town’s elevation and proximity-about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles-make it especially vulnerable to rapid runoff and debris flows during intense storms.
Local officials highlighted the need for residents to stay informed and heed evacuation orders. The evacuation center at Serrano High School has become a critical resource for those displaced by the storm.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy Christmas Eve rain caused flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in Wrightwood.
- Law-enforcement and fire crews conducted door-to-door checks and rescued several vehicle-trapped residents.
- An evacuation center opened at Serrano High School; residents were urged to evacuate or shelter in place.
The storm’s impact underscores the importance of preparedness and swift response during severe weather events. Residents in Wrightwood and surrounding areas remain under heightened alert as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
