At a Glance
- Powerful winter storm dumped heavy rain across Southern California, sparking flash flooding and mudslides.
- Evacuations were ordered in wildfire-burned areas, with residents trapped in Wrightwood and Lytle Creek.
- Forecast calls for more rain on Christmas Day, threatening additional flooding and debris flows.
- Why it matters: Communities face isolation, dangerous flooding, and emergency crews are racing to rescue and shelter residents.
A powerful winter storm that rattled Southern California brought record-setting rainfall, leaving many residents trapped in wildfire-scarred communities. Evacuations, rescue efforts, and a looming second storm for Christmas Day have turned the region into a high-risk emergency zone.
Storm Impact and Evacuations
The storm dumped 4-8 inches of rain-far above the typical ½-1 inch-across the region, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford. Firefighters in San Bernardino County rescued people trapped in cars on a road into Wrightwood, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the area. An evacuation order was also issued for Lytle Creek, where residents like Travis Guenther were stranded after a bridge washed out.
- Wrightwood
- Lytle Creek
- Orange County burn scar zones
- Malibu
- Sacramento Valley
- Bay Area
Community Response
Travis Guenther, trapped in Lytle Creek, described how half his neighborhood was stranded on either side of the water. Neighbors and local volunteers, including two nurses, organized supplies and medical support for the 280-person community. Dillan Brown, stuck in a rented cabin in Wrightwood, received a rapid response of food and diapers after a Facebook call for help.
Travis Guenther
> “Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck,” he said.
> “Half the families are here, and half the families are on the other side of the creek.”
Janice Quick
> “a wildfire in 2024 left much of the terrain without tree coverage.”
Dillan Brown
> “I think we’re a little sad and upset that we’re not going to be home with our families,” but the “kindness shown is definitely an overwhelming feeling.”
Mike Wofford
> “Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) with even more in the mountains.”
Michael Harper
> “James Caravallo, who was with the agency for 19 years, was apparently traveling at an unsafe speed, lost control on a wet road and crashed into a power pole.”
Weather Forecast and Warnings
Officials warned that the next storm system could bring showers, thunderstorms, and more rain on Christmas Day, potentially making it the wettest holiday in years. Flood warnings extended to coastal areas like Malibu until Wednesday evening, while wind and flood advisories covered the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area. State of emergency was declared in six counties, and the California National Guard was on standby.
- State of emergency in six counties
- California National Guard on standby
- California Highway Patrol monitoring
Key Statistics
| Metric | Typical | Current |
|---|---|---|
| Rainfall (inches) | ½-1 | 4-8 |
| Rainfall (centimeters) | 1.3-2.5 | 10-20 |
The storm’s moisture came from atmospheric rivers, delivering massive tropical plumes during a busy travel season.
Key Takeaways
- Southern California faced record rainfall and flash flooding.
- Evacuations and rescues were underway in wildfire burn scar zones.
- A second storm on Christmas Day threatens more flooding and debris flows.
With emergency crews and state resources mobilized, residents in Southern California remain on high alert as another storm approaches.
By Sophia A. Reynolds for News Of Los Angeles
