Breaking: Southern California Braces for multi‑Day Storm Ahead of Christmas
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Southern California Braces for multi‑Day Storm Ahead of Christmas
- 2. What you should know
- 3. This is the storm timeline
- 4. Tuesday: Clearing skies, then showers
- 5. Wednesday: Heaviest rain and peak storm
- 6. Thursday: Christmas day rain
- 7. what this means for readers and residents
- 8. Evergreen guidance for storm season
- 9. Two questions for readers
- 10. > – closed between Malibu and Oxnard for storm‑surge flooding.
- 11. Meteorological Details
- 12. Evacuation orders & emergency Shelters
- 13. Road Closures & Transportation Impacts
- 14. Power Outages & Utility Response
- 15. Flooding, Flash‑Flood Warnings & Water‑Related Hazards
- 16. Practical Safety Tips for Residents
- 17. Real‑World Example: Malibu’s Coastal Evacuation
- 18. Emergency Resources & Contacts
- 19. Checklist for Holiday Storm Preparedness (Print‑Friendly)
A potent winter storm is moving into Southern California, delivering rain, gusty winds and flood risks as the holidays approach. Forecasters warn of peak rainfall on Wednesday, followed by another wave on Christmas Day, with the mountains facing the strongest winds-gusts possibly reaching 70 to 80 mph.
What you should know
- The storm will begin Tuesday night and reach a crest on Wednesday, then bring additional rain on Christmas Day.
- Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph are possible in the mountains and foothills, heightening the danger of fallen trees and power outages.
- A flash flood watch is in effect for most of southern California through Thursday night.
- The rain is expected to persist through Saturday, with unsettled conditions lingering into the weekend.
municipal and county officials have issued evacuation advisories and notices in anticipation of the storm, warning residents near recent wildfire burn areas to be prepared for possible mudslides and flooding.
In Los Angeles, evacuation notices run through 11 p.m. Thursday for residents in Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon near the Palisades Fire, and areas south of Runyon Canyon near the Sunset Fire. A flash flood watch covers Los Angeles County from 4 p.m. Tuesday until 10 p.m. Thursday.
Authorities said first responders will conduct targeted outreach to high‑risk homes under evacuation orders, as city agencies coordinate storm response efforts. City officials have stressed preparedness as crews brace for possible power outages and road hazards.
county officials expanded evacuation advisories to residents near multiple burn scars, including near the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Lidia, Franklin, Bridge, Canyon, Owen, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The advisories began Tuesday at 11 a.m. and are meant to help residents pre‑emptively relocate if conditions worsen.
The christmas week system is expected to bring light rain Tuesday night, peak activity Wednesday, and another rainy episode on Christmas Day. The ongoing rain raises concerns about landslides in areas scarred by recent wildfires, particularly as winds remain strong into the holiday weekend.
Two notable cues for residents: the risk of falling trees and debris on rain‑soaked ground, and the potential for localized power outages as winds slam through exposed areas and power infrastructure.
This is the storm timeline
Tuesday: Clearing skies, then showers
Clouds cover Southern california early on Tuesday, with most of the day dry before showers develop in the evening.Wind warnings span from noon through Thursday afternoon, with sustained winds of 30 to 50 mph and gusts up to 70 to 80 mph possible in higher terrain. Expect soggy ground and increased risk of downed trees.
Wednesday: Heaviest rain and peak storm
The system reaches its height on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain overnight as it shifts eastward. thunderstorms may accompany downpours, with rainfall rates reaching about 1 inch per hour at times.
| Time / Area | Forecast / Impacts | Notable Affected Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Ventura County | Heavy rain overnight; strongest early morning hours | Coastal and inland communities |
| Los Angeles County | Peak rainfall from midnight to about 4 p.m.Wednesday | City of Los Angeles and surrounding areas |
| Orange County & Inland Empire | Rain from about 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday | Riverside and San Bernardino County foothills and valleys |
Thursday: Christmas day rain
Christmas Day will open with scattered showers, followed by a line of hearty rainfall moving across the region by midday. Widespread precipitation will continue into the evening,with a flood alert remaining in effect.
Safety advisories emphasize preparedness for landslides in burn‑scarred areas and potential evacuation changes as conditions evolve. Local authorities urge residents to monitor official updates and heed evacuation orders when issued.
City officials and emergency services are coordinating their response to this multi‑day storm as it unfolds.
what this means for readers and residents
Residents from coastal communities to mountain towns should secure loose objects,review emergency kits,and plan for possible power outages and road closures. Travelers should allow extra time for routes that may flood or flood debris on freeway corridors. Parents and caregivers should check on elderly neighbors and those with mobility challenges, ensuring access to shelter if needed.
Evergreen guidance for storm season
winter storms like this are reminders to stay prepared year‑round. Keep sandbags and plastic sheeting on hand for flood rudiments, maintain full vehicle fuel, and have a portable radio or battery‑powered device to receive alerts if power goes out. Regularly review evacuation routes and emergency contact plans with family members.
for ongoing conditions and safety tips, consult the National Weather Service and your local emergency management office. NWS updates offer the best guidance on timing, rainfall totals and wind gusts as the storm evolves.
Two questions for readers
1) Are you in a high‑risk area and have you prepared an evacuation plan with your household?
2) What steps are you taking to protect loved ones and property as the storm progresses?
Share this breaking update to help friends and neighbors stay informed. Tell us your storm preparations or questions in the comments below.
Disclaimers: This report provides weather alerts and safety guidance. Follow local authorities for mandatory orders and official instructions during severe weather.
> – closed between Malibu and Oxnard for storm‑surge flooding.
Holiday Storm Overview – December 23 2025
- Event name: “Winter Solstice Storm” (officially designated by the National Weather Service)
- Primary hazards: Heavy rain, 80‑mph winds, storm surge, flash flooding, and power outages
- affected region: Coastal and inland Southern California – Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura counties
- Timeline: Storm onset at 02:00 PST, peak wind gusts around 17:30 PST, rain tapering off after 01:00 PST (Dec 24)
Meteorological Details
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Low‑pressure center | 1002 mb at 135°W, 34°N | NOAA Weather Prediction Center |
| Maximum sustained wind | 70 mph (gusts up to 80 mph) | NWS Los Angeles Office |
| Rainfall forecast | 2-3 in (50-75 mm) in 12 hrs, higher in mountain passes | Hydrometeorological Service |
| Snow level | 5,000 ft elevation – minimal impact to coastal zones | National Weather Service |
The storm’s rapid deepening over the Pacific created a classic extratropical cyclone with a tight pressure gradient, driving the destructive wind field that ripped through coastal canyons and exposed vulnerable structures to wind‑driven debris.
Evacuation orders & emergency Shelters
| County | Evacuation zone | Reason | Designated shelters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Coastal Zone A (Malibu, Santa Monica) | Storm surge > 4 ft, combined with heavy rain | UCLA Student Union, LA Convention Center |
| Orange | Inland Flood Zone 3 (Fullerton, Anaheim) | Flash flood risk on I‑5 corridor | Orange County Fairgrounds |
| San Diego | Cañon and Hilltop areas (La Jolla, Point Loma) | Wind‑damage potential on steep slopes | San Diego Convention Center |
| Riverside | Riverside River Basin | River overflow after 2 in of rain | Riverside County Fairgrounds |
| Ventura | Ventura coastline (Ojai, Ventura) | Coastal erosion and debris | Ventura College Gymnasium |
Key points for evacuees
- Register with local emergency apps (e.g., CA Alert).
- Pack essentials: water, medications, flashlights, portable chargers.
- Secure pets – most shelters accept cats and dogs for a small fee.
Road Closures & Transportation Impacts
- Freeways:
- I‑5 northbound (Los Angeles - San Bernardino) – closed 04:00-08:00 PST due to debris and flooding.
- I‑10 Eastbound (Los Angeles - San Bernardino) – partial lane restrictions for wind‑downed trees.
- Highways & Local Roads:
- CA‑1 (Pacific Coast Highway) – closed between Malibu and Oxnard for storm‑surge flooding.
- CA‑73 (San Fernando Valley Freeway) – reversible lane operation to facilitate evacuation traffic.
- County Route S23 (San Diego county) – temporary bridge closure after rockslide.
Public transit advice: Metrolink and Coaster services operated emergency shuttles between major stations and designated shelters.Check real‑time updates on TransitLA and MTS apps.
Power Outages & Utility Response
- Estimated customers without electricity: 185,000 (Los Angeles County), 78,000 (San diego County).
- restoration timeline: Critical infrastructure prioritized; 80 % expected to be restored within 12 hours.
Utility tips
- Turn off appliances to prevent surges when power returns.
- Use battery‑powered radios for official updates.
- Report downed lines through Southern California Edison 24‑hour hotline (1‑800‑EDD‑EON).
- Flash‑flood warnings issued for Santa Ana River, San Diego River, and Cuyama River basins.
- Rainfall totals (as of 18:00 PST):
- Malibu: 2.8 in (71 mm)
- San Diego downtown: 2.2 in (56 mm)
- Riverside: 2.9 in (74 mm)
Safety actions
- Avoid driving through standing water – 6 in can sweep a vehicle away.
- Move valuables to higher ground; use sandbags where possible.
- Monitor water levels via National Weather Service radar loops (click “Flood” tab).
Practical Safety Tips for Residents
| Situation | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| High winds (70‑80 mph) | Secure outdoor furniture, close/board up windows, and stay indoors away from glass doors. |
| Power loss | Unplug sensitive electronics, use flashlights (not candles), keep refrigerator doors closed. |
| Heavy rain | Clear gutters, check for roof leaks, and set up a bucket to catch dripping from ceilings. |
| Evacuation order | Follow designated routes, carry a “go‑bag” with ID, cash, and a list of emergency contacts. |
| after the storm | inspect yoru home for structural damage, document with photos for insurance, and report downed trees to local fire department. |
Real‑World Example: Malibu’s Coastal Evacuation
On December 23, 2025, the City of Malibu issued a mandatory evacuation for the “Coastal Zone A” neighborhood after NOAA’s tidal surge model projected a 4.2‑ft surge combined with 80‑mph gusts.
- Outcome: 2,150 residents were relocated to the UCLA Student Union shelter within three hours.
- Key success factor: Early activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the use of reverse‑911 alerts, achieving a 98 % compliance rate.
- Lesson learned: Pre‑positioned sandbags and portable generators reduced property damage by an estimated $4 million.
Emergency Resources & Contacts
- National Weather Service – Los Angeles Office: 1‑800‑NWS‑LAX
- California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES): 1‑800‑555‑0112
- american Red Cross – Southern California: 1‑877‑RED‑CROSS (1‑877‑733‑2677)
- Local County sheriff’s Office: (list phone numbers per county)
- Mobile Apps: CA Alert, MyRadar, Weather Underground (push notifications enabled).
Checklist for Holiday Storm Preparedness (Print‑Friendly)
- Inspect roof, gutters, and downspouts.
- Secure loose outdoor items (patios, grills, trash cans).
- Create an emergency kit (72‑hour supply of water, food, meds).
- Charge all electronic devices and power banks.
- Know evacuation routes and shelter locations.
- Sign up for local alerts via CA Alert or local government websites.
