Southern California Floods: Life-Threatening Atmospheric River Hits Los Angeles During Christmas 2025
State of Emergency
Declared as "Pineapple Express" Hits
Governor Gavin Newsom has officially declared a State of Emergency for several counties, including Los Angeles, to
accelerate disaster response and resource allocation. The National Weather
Service (NWS) has characterized the storm as a "Pineapple Express"—a
powerful atmospheric phenomenon that transports vast amounts of tropical
moisture from Hawaii
directly to the U.S. West Coast.
Meteorologists warn that some areas could see
rainfall totals equivalent to several months' worth of precipitation in just a
few days, with peak intensities exceeding one inch per hour.
Evacuations and Mudslide Risks in Wildfire Burn
Scars
Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation
orders for approximately 130 homes in high-risk zones, particularly in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. These areas are exceptionally
vulnerable due to the devastating wildfires that occurred earlier in 2025.
"The combination of saturated soil and the
loss of vegetation from recent fires has created a perfect storm for debris
flows," said NWS meteorologist Ariel Cohen. Residents in canyons and
foothills are urged to heed evacuation orders immediately, as the risk of
"life-threatening" mudslides remains critical through Friday.
Travel Disruptions and Infrastructure Impact
The storm has caused widespread chaos for holiday
travelers. Authorities have issued a stern "Do
Not Drive" advisory, citing:
Flash Floods: Major highways and local roads have been
submerged or blocked by fallen trees.
Power Outages: Thousands of residents are currently without
electricity as high winds, reaching up to 55 mph (88 km/h), have toppled
utility poles.
Mountain Snow: In the Sierra Nevada,
snow accumulations are expected to reach up to 60 inches (152 cm), making
mountain passes impassable.
A Brutal Year for California Weather
The Christmas 2025 storm follows a record-breaking
wildfire season. Earlier this year, over 8,000 fires scorched more than 212,000
hectares across the state, resulting in 31 fatalities. The current flooding
exacerbates the environmental damage, as the "scarred" earth cannot
absorb the historic levels of rainfall.
Safety Recommendations
The National Weather Service continues to urge the
public to:
