Published on December 26, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
A powerful atmospheric river storm, described by weather officials as a “dangerous holiday storm,” swept through Southern California (SoCal) on Christmas Eve and continued through Christmas Day, 2025, causing severe weather disruptions and widespread flooding. The storm, driven by the “Pineapple Express,” brought unprecedented rainfall, strong winds, and significant life-safety risks across multiple counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties.
This event, characterized by multiple weather “waves” or “impulses,” intensified on Christmas Day when the second major system moved through the region, worsening the already dangerous conditions. In response to the catastrophic impact of the storm, various government leaders issued emergency proclamations to expedite rescue and recovery efforts.

State and Local Emergency Declarations Across Multiple SoCal Counties

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The National Weather Service (NWS) and the California Governor’s Office issued urgent warnings as the storm unfolded. On December 24, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties. This proclamation unlocked state resources and allowed for the deployment of the California National Guard to assist in ongoing rescue operations and disaster management.
At the local level, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis declared local emergencies to streamline the rescue and recovery operations. The declarations allowed for faster access to state-level support and coordinated efforts to manage the storm’s aftermath, including flooding, debris flows, and other hazardous conditions.

Record-Breaking Rainfall and Dangerous Runoff Risks

According to the NWS Los Angeles office, this atmospheric river event was one of the wettest Christmas periods on record for Southern California, with rainfall totals varying across the region:

• L.A. Basin/Coast: 3 – 6 inches
• Mountains/Foothills: 5 – 11+ inches
• High Desert: 1 – 3 inches

The Pineapple Express fueled the atmospheric river, causing saturated ground from earlier rainfalls. As a result, any additional rainfall, especially on Christmas Day, rapidly turned to dangerous runoff. The NWS issued warnings indicating that the risk of flooding was imminent.

Severe Winds, Flooding, and Hazardous Conditions in the Mountains and Foothills

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The high winds accompanying the storm also posed significant risks to both life and property. Winds peaked between 35 – 55 mph along the coastal regions and escalated to 60 – 80 mph in the mountains and foothills. These high gusts contributed to hazardous conditions, including rockslides and road closures throughout Southern California.
In addition to these wind threats, the region faced severe flooding and debris flows, especially in the burn scar areas of the Pacific Palisades and Wrightwood in the San Gabriel Mountains. Evacuation orders were issued for roughly 380 homes in these areas due to the risk of debris flows, further compounding the dangerous nature of the storm.

Rare Tornado Warning and Severe Thunderstorm Activity

On Christmas Eve, the NWS issued a rare Tornado Warning for east-central Los Angeles County, particularly in the area around Alhambra, due to severe thunderstorm activity. This unusual warning added to the list of hazards that residents were forced to navigate, with the possibility of twisters exacerbating the already volatile conditions.

Life-Saving Rescues and Evacuations Underway

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and San Bernardino County Sheriff reported ongoing rescues as floodwaters surged through SoCal communities. Swift-water rescues were carried out, including the dramatic rescue of a man trapped in a drainage tunnel and a woman swept nine miles down San Jose Creek. The LAFD worked tirelessly to respond to flooding emergencies, and rescuers were particularly concerned with individuals trapped in homes or vehicles as floodwaters rapidly rose.
Evacuation orders in San Bernardino County affected more than 380 homes in areas most vulnerable to debris flows, particularly in regions affected by the recent fires. Road closures due to flooding and rockslides further complicated evacuation efforts, with key roadways such as Interstate 5 and Angeles Crest Highway (Hwy 2) being shut down for safety. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) advised all travelers to check the QuickMap app for real-time road closures and conditions before attempting to drive in the storm-affected areas.

Government Guidance on Ongoing Risks

The National Weather Service continued to monitor the storm, issuing advisories for residents through Christmas Day and the following days. The NWS warned that the “tail end” of the storm would linger into Friday, December 26, and urged caution as any additional rainfall would contribute to increased runoff and further flooding risks.
As officials scrambled to manage the crisis, they reminded the public of the life-threatening risks posed by the ongoing storm, especially in areas already saturated by earlier rains. The California National Guard was on standby for further deployment as the full extent of the storm’s damage continued to unfold.

The Threat of Additional Weather Waves

The storm was part of a larger weather system that involved several distinct “waves” of weather activity. While the first wave caused significant disruptions on Christmas Eve, it was the second, more powerful wave on Christmas Day that led to the most severe weather conditions. The atmospheric river fueled by the Pineapple Express carried significant moisture from the Pacific, resulting in heavy rainfall and the immediate danger of runoff as the ground was already saturated.
The NWS emphasized that the risk was not yet over, and warned residents to remain alert for any sudden changes in weather conditions. Additionally, evacuation orders were issued for multiple San Bernardino County areas prone to debris flows, and road closures across the region complicated rescue efforts.

Ongoing Recovery and Support Efforts

The impacts of this catastrophic storm are expected to be felt for weeks, as the region deals with flooding and wind damage. Government officials, along with rescue teams, have worked tirelessly to assess the damage and deploy resources for recovery. The California National Guard remains on standby for additional deployment to assist with recovery efforts, while residents have been advised to continue following emergency advisories issued by local authorities.
As Southern California recovers from this historic event, officials have made it clear that preparation is key in preventing future disasters of this magnitude. Efforts to reinforce infrastructure, improve flood control measures, and provide better early warning systems are now at the forefront of regional planning.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for California’s Storm Preparedness

The Christmas 2025 atmospheric river event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Southern California to extreme weather. The storm’s impact was severe, with unprecedented rainfall, powerful winds, dangerous flooding, and life-threatening debris flows, resulting in a State of Emergency and multiple local emergencies. While Southern California has faced weather-related challenges in the past, this event highlighted the importance of continued vigilance, improved infrastructure, and better coordination between government agencies to manage and mitigate the effects of such extreme weather.
As the storm moves on, residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts, and recovery efforts will continue in the coming weeks. In the aftermath of this dangerous holiday storm, Southern California must come together to ensure that the lessons learned from this event lead to stronger, more resilient communities for future generations.

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Tags: atmospheric river, California flood, Christmas storm 2025, Los Angeles emergency, Southern California storm

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