Southern California Faces Aftermath of Wettest Christmas Season in Recent History
On 26 December 2025, Southern California experienced heavy rainfall that led to numerous emergencies, including a car crash in the Los Angeles area caused by rain. Ventura County mountains recorded over 17 inches of rain, while Santa Barbara Airport received 5.91 inches. Parts of the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County saw rainfall exceeding 10 inches.
The storm caused hundreds of car crashes, thousands of power outages, and mudflows that damaged homes and gardens. In response, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a temporary state of emergency, and Governor Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Shasta counties.
Officials warned that despite the heaviest rains having passed, risks of flash flooding and mudslides remain. Forecasters expected a dry weekend followed by more rain around New Year’s Eve.
Firefighters in Los Angeles County rescued over 100 people in one day, including 21 individuals pulled from stranded cars by a single helicopter. In addition, the Sierra Nevada experienced snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour at higher elevations.
Scientists have described this weather pattern as hydroclimate whiplash, an atmospheric river event bringing heavy rains after last year’s record wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
