Thu Dec 25 01:31:49 UTC 2025: ## California Battered by Powerful Winter Storm, State of Emergency Declared
Los Angeles, CA – December 25, 2025 – A powerful winter storm has unleashed heavy rain, strong winds, and blizzard conditions across California, prompting a state of emergency declaration from Governor Gavin Newsom. The storm, which hit the state on Wednesday, December 24th, has led to evacuation warnings for mudslides in Southern California, near white-out snow conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and widespread hazardous travel for millions during the busy holiday week.
Southern California is bracing for what forecasters are calling potentially the wettest Christmas in years, with concerns escalating over flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires. Los Angeles County officials went door-to-door, ordering evacuations for vulnerable homes. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department issued a similar warning for the mountain resort town of Wrightwood due to the risk of mud and debris flows. Social media videos showed debris and mud already surging through the area.
Coastal communities, including Malibu, are under flood warnings, while much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area are experiencing wind and flood advisories.
The Los Angeles Fire Department rescued a man trapped in a drainage tunnel on Wednesday, and numerous roadways remain closed due to flooding. Forecasters warn that conditions may worsen as multiple atmospheric rivers continue to batter the state.
Despite the storm’s severity, some residents are choosing to weather the storm at home. James Dangerfield, 84, of Altadena, is staying put with his family, relying on sandbags to protect his property. Others, like Mike Burdick, who cares for his elderly parents near burn scars, are prepared to evacuate with essential supplies.
The National Weather Service predicts 4 to 8 inches of rain in many Southern California areas this week, with even higher amounts in the mountains. Heavy snow and high winds are creating near white-out conditions in the Sierra Nevada, posing significant travel hazards. A considerable avalanche risk is also present around Lake Tahoe.
Further north, Monterey experienced wind gusts reaching 60 mph, resulting in power outages for over 5,000 customers. The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal, weather-related crash south of Sacramento.
While San Francisco and Los Angeles airports are experiencing minor flight delays, emergency resources and first responders have been deployed to affected coastal and Southern California counties. The California National Guard remains on standby.
Atmospheric rivers, long bands of water vapor carrying moisture from the tropics, are fueling the relentless storm. This follows previous damage in Northern California, where flash flooding resulted in water rescues and at least one fatality.
The storm highlights the increasing vulnerability of California to extreme weather events, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures. The state continues to grapple with the impact as the holiday season begins.
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