CALIFORNIA, Dec 25 – Christmas celebrations across California were overshadowed by relentless rainfall that swept through large parts of the state, triggering floods, evacuations, power outages, and deadly incidents. What began as steady rain quickly escalated into a powerful storm system that left highways submerged, neighborhoods threatened by mudslides, and emergency crews working through the holiday to keep residents safe.
In Southern California, Christmas Eve brought intense downpours to the Los Angeles region, where streets and freeways turned into rivers. By Christmas morning, residents awoke to gray skies, strong winds, and continued rainfall, with weather officials warning that the worst might not yet be over. The situation became severe enough that Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, allowing emergency resources to be mobilized more rapidly as the storm intensified.
Footage circulating on social media from Los Angeles and nearby communities showed vehicles stranded on flooded highways, mud and debris spilling across roadways, and water cascading from rooftops and commercial buildings. Travel quickly became hazardous, and authorities urged people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
San Bernardino County was among the hardest-hit areas. Local fire officials confirmed that more than 120 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed overnight to help residents evacuate from flood-prone neighborhoods. According to the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, many families were forced to leave their homes during what is traditionally a time for togetherness.
San Bernardino County Fire officials expressed deep sadness over the situation, noting that the storm has forced many families to spend Christmas apart. In a public statement, the department acknowledged the hardship residents are facing as evacuations and ongoing emergency conditions continue to disrupt lives during the holiday.
In mountain communities such as Wrightwood, heavy rain combined with unstable terrain led to dangerous mudslides. County officials released video showing thick, watery mud flowing through residential areas, damaging homes and trapping vehicles. Emergency crews went door to door in high-risk zones, urging residents to evacuate immediately. Several people were rescued after becoming stranded in their cars or surrounded by rising water. To support those displaced, county officials opened an emergency shelter at the Victorville fairgrounds, coordinated by the local Office of Emergency Services.
The storm’s impact turned deadly in multiple parts of the state. In San Diego County, a man identified by family members as Roberto Ruiz lost his life after a tragic accident caused by the severe weather. Ruiz, who was in his 60s or 70s, reportedly went outside his home to move his car when a tree splintered and a large branch struck him. He suffered cardiac arrest and later died. A family member described the heartbreak of losing a father and grandfather just hours before Christmas, highlighting the human cost of the storm beyond the physical damage.
Another fatal incident occurred in Sacramento County, where Sheriff’s Deputy James Caravallo died in what officials described as a weather-related crash while driving to work. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the loss, noting that Deputy Caravallo had served the department for 19 years and was a dedicated public servant. His death added to the growing sense of tragedy surrounding the storm.
Governor Newsom’s emergency declaration covered several counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta. State emergency officials warned that the storm system, fueled by atmospheric rivers and strong winds, posed ongoing risks such as flash flooding, falling trees, and power outages. The California Office of Emergency Services urged residents to remain alert and prepared, emphasizing that high winds can quickly turn already dangerous conditions into life-threatening situations.
By Thursday morning, approximately 150,000 customers across California were without electricity, according to utility outage data. Power crews worked in difficult conditions to restore service, but ongoing wind and saturated ground made repairs challenging.
Weather forecasters warned that Southern California faced a moderate risk of excessive rainfall from Christmas Day into early Friday. Flash flooding was considered possible, particularly in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. Northern and central California, along with parts of southern Nevada, were also expected to see increasing rainfall, raising concerns about broader regional impacts.
Flood advisories remained in effect for areas stretching from San Luis Obispo County to Los Angeles County. While rainfall intensity was expected to ease slightly, officials cautioned that residual flooding could persist into the night. Saturated hillsides raised the risk of rockslides and mudslides, especially in regions recently affected by wildfires, where vegetation no longer stabilizes the soil.
Strong winds added another layer of danger. Parts of Ventura County and Los Angeles County were placed under wind advisories, with sustained winds between 20 and 35 miles per hour and gusts reaching up to 55 miles per hour. Weather officials warned that soaked soil combined with powerful gusts could cause trees to topple, increasing the risk of injuries, road blockages, and power line damage. Driving conditions were expected to remain difficult through the afternoon.
Transportation across the state was significantly disrupted. Several highways in Los Angeles and Ventura counties experienced lane closures due to flooding and debris. Northbound Interstate 5 near Lankershim Boulevard was temporarily blocked after storm runoff carried mud and debris onto the roadway. In Northern California, the Department of Transportation closed a section of State Route 99 near Sacramento because floodwaters made the road impassable.
These closures followed widespread flood alerts that affected more than 40 million people across the western United States on Christmas Eve, including much of California and parts of Nevada and Arizona. Officials urged residents to avoid flooded roads, reminding drivers that even shallow water can sweep vehicles away.
Looking ahead, forecasters warned that heavy rain was likely to continue into Friday and early Saturday, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding. Urban areas, small creeks, and fire-scarred landscapes were considered especially vulnerable.
While California grappled with flooding and wind, the opposite extreme was unfolding across the country. In the Northeast, weather officials predicted the development of snow and ice, with New England expected to see moderate to heavy snowfall. Areas from Michigan through Pennsylvania and into the Mid-Atlantic were warned of a dangerous mix of freezing rain and sleet, creating treacherous travel conditions as Americans navigated post-holiday journeys.
Together, these severe weather events served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces shaping this holiday season, leaving communities across the nation facing very different, yet equally challenging, winter threats.