A powerful winter storm that arrived on December 23, 2025, has unleashed a heavy downpour across Southern California, turning streets into rivers and shutting major freeways.
Storm Overview and Weather Warning
The National Weather Service issued a statement on December 23 that a “strong atmospheric river brings heavy rain, snow, and wind to California through Friday,” urging anyone in northern, central and southern parts of the state to “exercise extreme caution.” The agency also announced that a flash flood warning would remain in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for the bulk of Los Angeles County.
Roadway Disruptions and Flooded Intersections
The storm’s intensity forced the closure of the 5 Freeway in Sun Valley on Wednesday, as lanes became heavily flooded. Nearby, an intersection near Colorado Boulevard and Monte Bonita Drive in Eagle Rock was submerged, while a stream of mud flooded a roadway in Altadena, prompting fire crews to clean up the mudflow. In Oxnard, the intersection at Hill and G streets was flooded on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and a driver on La Cienega Boulevard reported damage after driving through a flooded road on the same day.
Evacuations and Shelter Orders
Hundreds of residents in burn-affected areas were ordered to evacuate as the storm threatened flooding and travel delays through Christmas. In Wrightwood, San Bernardino County Fire officials urged residents to shelter in place because of heavy mud and debris flows. The Ventura Beach RV Resort in Ventura was placed under an evacuation order as a precaution; the site had previously flooded with hip-deep water from the Ventura River in 2023.
Local Response Efforts
City workers tackled debris and fallen trees, including a tree that fell on a wall next to the Hollywood Water Reserve on December 24, 2025. In Santa Monica, a flood watch was issued from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening, with mud and debris flows possible across foothill and mountain areas, including recent burn scars. Heavy rain from Kenneth Hahn Park blocked the view of the city skyline on December 24, 2025.
Driver Advisories and Public Safety
Officials urged drivers to exercise the utmost caution on roadways during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The combination of mud and debris flows, floodwaters, and blocked freeway lanes has made travel hazardous, prompting widespread advisories across the region.
Key Takeaways
- A strong atmospheric river brought heavy rain, snow, and wind to California, with a flash flood warning until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
- Major roadways, including the 5 Freeway and intersections in Eagle Rock, Altadena, Oxnard, and La Cienega Boulevard, were flooded or closed.
- Hundreds of evacuations were ordered in burn-affected areas, and shelter-in-place advisories were issued in Wrightwood.
The storm’s impact continues to ripple across Southern California, with authorities monitoring conditions and urging residents to stay alert and follow safety advisories.
