A relentless series of winter storms lashed Southern California during the Christmas season in 2025, bringing record rainfall and turning streets into rivers, causing widespread chaos and devastation.
Atmospheric rivers unleashed unprecedented moisture, saturating the region with over 11 inches of rain in some areas, leading to severe flooding and dangerous mudslides.
Emergency responders undertook heroic rescues, saving over 100 individuals trapped in vehicles, and reporting multiple fatalities as they battled the hazardous conditions.
Communities, particularly in Wrightwood, faced significant destruction, with homes partially filled with mud, prompting immediate evacuation orders for high-risk areas.
Travel plans were heavily disrupted, with road closures across the region affecting holiday traffic as officials urged residents to avoid dangerous travel routes.
The storms underscored the ongoing risks for areas scarred by past wildfires, intensifying fears about future mudslides while highlighting the complex issues surrounding drought relief in California.