On Christmas Eve, steady rain turned the mountain community of Pinon Hills into a mudslide nightmare, washing out a key road and leaving residents trapped at home.
Storm Impact
The continuous rainfall that began early on December 24 and continued through the night of December 25 caused widespread flooding and mudslides across the Pinon Hills area. The storm’s force was strong enough to erode the road that serves as the main access point for the neighborhood, carving a deep trench with muddy walls that lowered the roadway by roughly ten feet.
Road Destruction
Video footage taken by a local resident shows Colorado Street hours after the storm broke. The footage captures the road’s sudden collapse: the surface was no longer a stable, paved path but a gaping hole filled with fast-moving water and debris. The trench’s muddy walls made it impossible for any vehicle to cross, effectively cutting the community off from the outside world.
Resident Perspective
Timothy Needham, a homeowner near the Los Angeles County line north of Wrightwood, explained the situation in a statement to NBC4 News. He said, “I’m inside what was our road. You would drive down through the yard, past this fence and out onto this road to get out of here. The road’s about 10 feet lower than it was before.” Needham added that although the floodwaters did not reach his house, the water service to his property was cut off. He expressed a mix of gratitude and frustration, noting, “We’re in that situation where we’re lucky to have a house, and we’re lucky to be here and have a house, but at the same time we need more services that we can’t provide on our own.”
Damage in Wrightwood
To the south of Pinon Hills, the town of Wrightwood also suffered significant damage. Several properties there were hit by flooding and powerful debris flows that swept through streets and yards. The damage was widespread enough that emergency crews had to deploy additional resources to assess and address the situation.
Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service issued a forecast indicating that additional rain is expected on Friday. Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors and remain aware of the ongoing risk of mudflows and road closures. The forecast suggests that the mountain communities could experience further disruptions as the storm continues.
Key Takeaways
- Steady rain on Christmas Eve washed out a key road in Pinon Hills, creating a deep trench and cutting off access.
- Residents like Timothy Needham were stranded, with water service cut off and no floodwater reaching their homes.
- Wrightwood suffered additional damage from flooding and debris flows.
- More rain is forecast for Friday, raising concerns about further road closures and safety.
The incident, reported by Darsha Philips and Amber Frias for NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, highlights the vulnerability of mountain communities to sudden weather events and the importance of preparedness during the holiday season.
