California faced another powerful storm on Christmas Day as authorities and residents struggled to recover from destructive rainfall and landslides that hit the state’s mountainous regions. The severe weather caused widespread disruption, including evacuations, power cuts, and high coastal waves.
Authorities issued an evacuation warning for the mountain town of Wrightwood just one day after they rescued people trapped in vehicles by a landslide. Roads in the area were covered in mud, rocks, and debris, forcing residents to seek shelter in coffee shops and petrol stations operating on generators.
Severe flooding in Southern California shut down major highways, including I-15, leaving holiday travelers stuck for miles as floodwaters and mud overtake roads and bridges. . pic.twitter.com/LrTEHF6Pno
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 25, 2025
Aftermath of the major debris flows in Wrightwood in Southern California’s San Gabriel Mountains after over 8 inches of rain fell in the area pic.twitter.com/upPlFXhu72
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) December 25, 2025
Wrightwood, California is in rough shape https://t.co/TaslPV3zxw pic.twitter.com/9m8aFPz5Gw
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) December 25, 2025
An “atmospheric river” carrying massive amounts of tropical moisture caused the storm and the unusual rainfall. Over the course of the week, many parts of California expect to receive 10 to 20 centimetres of rain, well above the normal average. Simultaneously, heavy snow and a high avalanche risk are anticipated in the mountainous regions and the Sierra Nevada.
Storms bearing down on waterlogged Southern California could cause more flooding and mudslides >> https://t.co/11gURQsfPV pic.twitter.com/nRdIgx4vTq
— Western Mass News (@WMassNews) December 25, 2025
The severe weather has already claimed two lives, and tens of thousands of residents remain without electricity. State authorities, under Governor Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency in six counties and mobilised emergency services and the National Guard to deal with the storm’s aftermath.
Residents are attempting to continue their daily routines and celebrate the holidays under difficult conditions. Despite the challenges, many are staying in their homes, spending the holidays playing games and exchanging gifts, showing courage and resilience against the severe weather.
This new storm underlines that California faces severe weather events with significant impacts on safety, infrastructure, and the daily lives of its residents.
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