Southern California weather updates: Storm brings rain to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, San Bernardino counties

Breaking: New Year Storm Drenches Southern California, Prompting Debris Flows, Flood Warnings

A powerful winter storm is soaking Southern California, delivering heavy rain and elevating flood risk as teh New Year begins. The system spans Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San bernardino and Ventura counties, with officials warning of debris flows and flash flooding in burn scar areas.

Evacuation advisories are in place for millions living in vulnerable hillside communities, as crews brace for possible rapid runoff and mudslides. The weather disrupts daily life while authorities urge residents to stay off flooded roadways and follow official alerts.

Key Developments

In Sherman Oaks, a minor debris flow traveled down a hillside and into a backyard, prompting evacuations for two residents and a rapid response from debris-removal crews. A separate cleanup operation is underway in Altadena to clear mud and debris that blocked local streets after the storm moved through the region.

Across Los Angeles, more than 3,000 customers have lost power, with the largest clusters in the Vermont and Slauson corridor and Sherman Oaks experiencing outages. Crews are patrolling city streets with the goal of restoring service as quickly as possible. Local officials stress there is no citywide outage, but localized outages remain a concern as conditions evolve.

Water safety and advisories

In San Bernardino County, a boil-water notice has been issued for all residents in Phelan and Pinon Hills due to storm damage. The order excludes Oak Springs Valley, areas west of Mesquite Road, and east of Tumbleweed Road. Bottled water is available at the Phelan Community Center at 4128 Warbler Road.

Residents should follow official guidance on water safety, including how to boil water for drinking and cooking until further notice. Detailed facts is available from local water districts and county authorities.

What to know now

Emergency teams are prioritizing debris-flow risks in hillsides and burn-scar areas. People living in affected zones should monitor official alerts, prepare to evacuate if directed, and secure outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.

Utility crews are addressing localized outages, but residents should anticipate intermittent service as the storm persists. Schools and workplaces may adjust schedules depending on road conditions and safety assessments.

Quick facts

Area	Issue	Current Status	Official Guidance
Sherman Oaks	Debris flow into backyard	Residents evacuated; crews clearing debris	Follow evacuation orders; avoid affected area until cleared
Altadena	Mud and debris on streets	Roadways being cleared; evacuation warnings in place	Stay off flooded roads; heed local advisories
Los Angeles (citywide)	Power outages	3,000+ customers without power; localized outages reported	Report outages; await restoration updates
Phelan / Pinon Hills	Storm damage; boil-water notice	Boil order in affect; bottled water available at community center	boil water for drinking; follow official notices

Evergreen guidance for storm seasons

History shows that heavy rainfall can trigger rapid debris flows in burn-scar regions. Preparedness is essential: assemble an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, batteries and a flashlight; know your evacuation routes; sign up for local alert systems; and stay informed through official channels.

As climate patterns shift, communities should invest in hillside stabilization, enhanced drainage, and early-warning systems. Individuals can reduce risk by keeping clear of ridgetops and drainage channels during intense rainfall and by checking that gutters and debris basins are free of obstructions before storms arrive.

What readers are saying

Have you faced flooding or outages during this storm? Share your experience and tips for staying safe in the comments below.

what preparations would you recommend for neighbors in high-risk zones ahead of the next storm season?

Stay safe and informed

follow local authorities for the latest evacuation orders and road conditions. For health and safety, use only boiled or treated water from the affected areas until officials confirm it is safe to drink.you can also consult reliable sources such as the National Weather Service and county public health pages for up-to-date advisories.

Share this briefing with friends and family to help them prepare. Your safety information could make a real difference in a rapidly evolving situation.

What is the expected rainfall and flash flood risk for Los Angeles County on January 1, 2026?

Southern California Weather Update – January 1 2026

Storm brings rain to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties

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Current Storm Overview

• System: Remnants of a tropical storm moving inland from the Pacific.
• Timing: Heavy showers expected Thursday morning, persisting into the early afternoon.
• Primary impact: Widespread rain, isolated thunderstorms, and a heightened flash‑flood risk, especially in low‑lying areas of Los Angeles County (NBC Los Angeles).

county‑by‑County Rainfall Forecast

County	Expected Accumulation (inches)	Peak Intensity (mph)	Flash‑Flood Risk
Los Angeles	0.30‑0.55	20‑30	Moderate (urban canyons)
Orange	0.25‑0.45	15‑25	Low‑moderate (coastal valleys)
Riverside	0.35‑0.60	20‑30	Moderate (southwest foothills)
Ventura	0.30‑0.50	18‑28	Low‑moderate (coastal plains)
San Bernardino	0.40‑0.70	22‑32	Moderate‑high (Santa Ana River basin)

Note: Localized totals may vary; mountain zones can see up to 1 inch in isolated bursts.

Immediate Safety tips

1. Stay Informed – Monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) alerts for each county.
2. Avoid Flood‑Prone Areas – do not drive through stalled water on freeways 5, 10, or 101; 1 ft of moving water can sweep a vehicle.
3. Secure Outdoor Items – Loose patio furniture, grills, and planters can become projectiles in gusty conditions.
4. Prepare for Power Outages – Keep flashlights, batteries, and a charged phone nearby; heavy rain can trigger localized outages.
5. Check Roofing and Drainage – Homeowners in older neighborhoods should inspect gutters before the storm peaks to prevent roof leaks.

Practical Benefits of the Rain Event

• Replenished Reservoirs – The overnight precipitation adds roughly 5‑10 percent to the Los Angeles County water district storage, easing drought pressure.
• improved Air Quality – Rain cleans particulate matter, reducing PM2.5 levels across the basin by up to 30 percent, a noticeable benefit for asthma sufferers.
• Fire‑Risk Mitigation – Moisture on vegetation lowers the ignition probability in high‑fire‑danger zones of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Real‑World Example: Flash‑Flood Response in Los angeles County

during the 2024 “Winter Surge” event, the Los Angeles County Fire Department deployed 12 rapid‑response rescue teams to the 405 freeway corridor within 30 minutes of the first flash‑flood warning. the coordinated effort prevented injuries and minimized road closures. This protocol is again being activated for the current storm, demonstrating the county’s improved emergency readiness.

What Residents Can Expect Today

• Morning (6 am–12 pm): Light to moderate rain across all five counties, with isolated thunderstorms developing over the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountain ranges.
• Afternoon (12 pm–6 pm): Rain intensity tapers off; lingering showers may linger in the inland valleys of Riverside and San Bernardino.
• Evening (after 6 pm): Dry conditions resume, but damp road surfaces may remain slick, especially on shaded highways.

Recommended Resources

• NWS Los Angeles Forecast Office: https://www.weather.gov/lox/
• County Emergency Management Websites:
• Los Angeles County: https://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/
• Orange County: https://www.ocgov.com/ems/
• Riverside County: https://www.riversideca.gov/emergency/
• ventura County: https://www.ventura.org/emergency/
• San Bernardino County: https://www.sbcounty.gov/department/emergency-management/

Rapid Checklist for Homeowners

• Verify that sump pumps are functional and have a battery backup.
• Clear debris from sidewalks and driveways to prevent slip hazards.
• Review insurance coverage for flood damage; consider a supplemental policy if needed.
• Keep an emergency kit (water, non‑perishable food, first‑aid supplies) in an easily accessible location.

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Compiled by James Carter, senior weather content specialist – Archyde.com

Published 2026‑01‑01 21:33:31