'Dangerous' atmospheric river slams SoCal with heavy rain, winds
- - 'Dangerous' atmospheric river slams SoCal with heavy rain, winds
Christopher Cann, USA TODAYDecember 24, 2025 at 7:13 PM
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An atmospheric river has begun unloading heavy rain across Southern California, prompting evacuation warnings as officials cautioned people against driving on Christmas Eve to avoid the worst of the "dangerous" storm conditions.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings and advisories in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, where over a half a foot of rain could fall through Christmas Day, threatening flash floods and mudslides.
"Severe, widespread flash flooding is expected," said the National Weather Service. "In addition, areas that normally do not experience flash flooding will flood. Furthermore, lives and property are in great danger."
More: How much rain is coming to LA, SoCal this week? Wet Christmas awaits.
The weather service office in Los Angeles described the storm as "very dangerous" and urged people traveling for the holiday to "exercise extreme caution."
In Ventura County, emergency management officials ordered the evacuation of an RV resort and told several neighborhoods to prepare for possible evacuation orders. In Los Angeles County, authorities issued evacuation warnings in areas ravaged by wildfires earlier this year, including the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, due to a heightened risk of mudflows.
"Gather loved ones, pets, documents, medications, and other important supplies before the storm arrives," the county told residents on its website. "Those who need more time evacuating should consider leaving now."
Weather experts believe an atmospheric river-fueled storm could bring heavy rain, flooding, wind and snow to Southern California during Christmas week.
Along with the heavy rain, which could reach over 12 inches in the Ventura County mountains, officials warned of heavy winds that could bring down power lines and knock out electricity.
The National Weather Service said hurricane-force winds up to 80 mph are "likely" in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Elsewhere, gusts of 35 to 55 mph are expected.
The dangerous storm conditions are likely to continue through Christmas Day and Friday, Dec. 26, according to the National Weather Service.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Dangerous' holiday storm triggers evacs across Southern California
Source: “AOL Breaking”
