RECAP: SoCal Hit by Christmas Eve Storm, Flash Flooding and Evacuations Reported

A powerful Christmas Eve storm fueled by an atmospheric river brought torrential rain to Southern California on Wednesday, December 24, triggering widespread flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslide risks. Evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were issued in several areas, including Wrightwood, where Highway 2 was washed out and fire crews assisted affected homes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and residents were urged to avoid travel.

US: Atmospheric River Triggers Flash Flooding Across Southern California 6

Torrential rains from a powerful atmospheric river triggered widespread flash flooding across Southern California on Wednesday, December 24, prompting evacuation orders, travel warnings, and a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Christmas Eve storm brought rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour in some areas, caused widespread flooding in Los Angeles County, and raised the risk of mudslides in wildfire-scarred foothills.

US: Atmospheric River Triggers Flash Flooding Across Southern California 7

Torrential rains from a powerful atmospheric river triggered widespread flash flooding across Southern California on Wednesday, December 24, prompting evacuation orders, travel warnings, and a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Christmas Eve storm brought rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour in some areas, caused widespread flooding in Los Angeles County, and raised the risk of mudslides in wildfire-scarred foothills.

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

People inspect a ski resort near Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States, December 25, 2025. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

This photo taken on December 25, 2025 shows an affected building in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

This photo taken on December 25, 2025 shows an affected ski resort in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

This photo taken on December 25, 2025 shows an affected ski resort in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

This photo taken on December 25, 2025 shows an affected ski resort in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

A vehicle runs on a waterlogged road near Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States, December 25, 2025. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Workers prepare for another upcoming winter storm in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States, December 25, 2025. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Workers prepare for another upcoming winter storm in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States, December 25, 2025. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

A vehicle runs on a waterlogged road near Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States, December 25, 2025. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

Heavy Rain Storms in California Leave Three Dead

This photo taken on December 25, 2025 shows an affected ski resort in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, the United States. Powerful winter storms have left at least four people dead and caused widespread damage across the U.S. state of California over the Christmas holiday week. Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinha/ABACAPRESS.COM

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm 3

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, San Bernardino County, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm 2

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

US: Wrightwood Hit by Flooding and Debris Flows Amid Christmas Eve Storm

Heavy rains from a powerful Christmas Eve storm caused flooding and multiple debris flows in Wrightwood, California, prompting shelter-in-place and evacuation warnings. Highway 2 is washed out, and fire crews are assisting affected homes. The storm is expected to continue through Christmas, with up to 14 inches of rain in nearby mountains, and residents are urged to avoid travel.

US: Bridge Fire Rapidly Grows In Southern California Leaving Trail Of Destruction

Bridge Fire that broke out on Sunday, September 8 has been burning through Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, California leaving a trail of destruction. The wildfire has burned 50,258 acres as of Wednesday evening, September 11 with 0% containment. Several homes home have been destroyed in the Mt. Baldy area and Wrightwood.