US EditionAtmospheric River Slams California, Southern Region Faces High Flood Threat into Christmas
Southern California faces heavy rain up to 10 inches and 3 to 5 feet of snow in Sierra Nevada, raising risks of flash floods and mudslides, officials warn.
- On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, heavy rain flooded San Francisco streets as the storm system pummelled Northern California and is expected to intensify into Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service said.
- Meteorologists say atmospheric rivers are long, narrow bands transporting tropical moisture, with rainfall amplified by warm air and traced to a tropical cyclone in Indonesia.
- Emergency crews reported water rescues and at least one death after flash flooding began Saturday, while heavy snow and winds made mountain pass travel nearly impossible in the Sierra Nevada.
- State and local officials mobilized first responders across coastal and Southern California counties, the California National Guard is on standby, and authorities urged millions of holiday travelers to stay home or alter plans.
- Earlier this month, stubborn atmospheric rivers drenched Washington state with nearly 5 trillion gallons of rain, while forecasters warned Southern California could see up to 8 inches versus the typical half an inch to 1 inch, raising mudslide risks in areas burned by last January's wildfires.
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Southern California braces for devastating Christmas storm
Flash flood warnings were in effect in Los Angeles and most of southern California on Wednesday as one of the worst Christmas storms in recent memory brought heavy rain and fears of deadly mudslides.
California faces life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and heavy snow through Christmas
Southern California faces a High Risk of flash flooding through Thursday, with heavy rain from a Pacific moisture plume. Downtown Los Angeles could see 4–8 inches of rain, AccuWeather warns.
California hit with strongest storm of the week
(CNN, KYMA) - Evacuations are underway for several neighborhoods throughout Southern California due to the potential of more than a month's worth of rain and powerful winds. The state in whole has been pounded with severe storms for the past few days, and Wednesday will be no different. California just can't catch a break. "Hazards will include potential flash flooding, rising river flows, mud flows, debris flows, and downed trees. Also, low ly…
Floods Threaten Southern California, Northeast Braces for Snow
With the Christmas Eve crush underway, brutal storms are throwing a wrench in travel plans all across the country. A powerful Pineapple Express battered the West with dangerous winds and intense downpours, while millions in New England are prepping for heavy snow. NBC’s Dana Griffin reports and TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer tracks the Christmas Eve forecast.
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