Chicago – December 26, 2025
Los Angeles County experienced the first surge of a potentially hazardous atmospheric river storm on Wednesday, delivering periods of intense rainfall that led to flooding, mudflows, and travel disruptions across multiple communities. Burn scar zones and low-lying neighborhoods were especially impacted as the region absorbed several inches of rain within 24 hours.
Flooding along the 5 Freeway near the Lankershim exit in Sun Valley forced officials to close all lanes for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear deep standing water and redirect traffic. Partial reopening began around 5:20 p.m., easing delays for evening commuters.
In Altadena, some streets were affected by mud and debris flows, although areas previously scorched by the Palisades Fire were largely spared from severe damage. Meanwhile in Palmdale, rescue teams safely evacuated a group of people after their vehicle became stranded in rising floodwaters.
The heaviest rainfall occurred Wednesday morning, with several locations reporting significant totals within a 24-hour period from Tuesday into Wednesday:
- Saugus — 4.18 in
- Fillmore — 4.10 in
- Van Nuys — 3.87 in
- Burbank — 3.45 in
- Malibu — 3.05 in
- El Monte — 2.82 in
- San Dimas Dam — 2.45 in
- Santa Monica — 2.42 in
- Hawthorne — 2.04 in
- Lancaster — 2.22 in
- LAX — 1.90 in
- Palmdale — 1.89 in
- Long Beach — 1.58 in
Forecasters warn that this was only the first wave of the storm cycle. Another strong system is expected to arrive Thursday coinciding with Christmas Day potentially bringing additional rain, renewed flooding risks, and challenging travel conditions.
Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay alert, avoid flooded roadways, and follow local emergency updates as the next round of storms moves in.
