A record-setting Christmas Eve storm dumped nearly four inches of rain across Los Angeles County, flooding freeways and sparking debris-flow warnings.
Storm Overview
The steady rain that began in the early morning of December 24, 2025, was part of a larger system that delivered scattered showers on Thursday, December 25. The system’s heavy precipitation caused widespread flooding on Los Angeles freeways and heightened concerns over debris flows in burn zones and mud flows in the mountain community of Wrightwood.
Record Rainfall by Location
The storm broke several long-standing rainfall records on December 24:
- Woodland Hills: 3.96 inches, surpassing the previous record of 2.91 inches set in 1971.
- Burbank Airport: 3.39 inches, eclipsing the 1971 record of 2.29 inches.
- Oxnard National Weather Service office: 3.33 inches, breaking the 1946 record of 1.24 inches.
- Anaheim: 1.87 inches, overtaking the 2021 record of 1.12 inches.
These figures illustrate the intensity of the storm across a wide geographic area.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
The sudden influx of water overwhelmed drainage systems, causing flash flooding on major freeways such as the 101 and 110. Residents in the Altadena, Trabuco Creek, and San Bernardino County areas reported standing water and road closures. Emergency crews were dispatched to monitor potential mudslides and debris flows in burn-affected zones.
In Wrightwood, a mountain community, authorities issued warnings about possible mud flows. Local officials urged residents to stay indoors and avoid low-lying areas until the water receded.
Forecast for Thursday
Belen De Leon, the meteorologist at NBC Universal, has issued a forecast for Thursday, December 25. She predicts scattered showers will continue, though the intensity is expected to taper off as the system moves eastward. De Leon advises residents to remain cautious, especially in areas that experienced the heaviest rainfall.
Community Response
The video of the storm, broadcast during NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, captured the severity of the rainfall. Viewers saw flooded streets, swollen creeks, and traffic detours. Community leaders called for increased preparedness, noting that the storm’s record-setting nature could strain emergency services.
Local news outlets highlighted the need for residents to check road conditions before traveling. Several schools postponed classes to allow students to avoid hazardous routes.
Key Takeaways
- The December 24 storm set new rainfall records in multiple Los Angeles County locations.
- Flooding on freeways and debris-flow warnings prompted emergency responses across the region.
- Forecasts indicate scattered showers will persist on Christmas Day, but with reduced intensity.
The storm’s unprecedented rainfall underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and community readiness during extreme weather events. Residents are urged to stay informed through trusted local news sources and to heed official advisories.
