Los Angeles, December 19, 2025

Los Angeles is preparing for significant rainfall and possible flooding as a powerful atmospheric river storm is set to impact the area from December 23 to December 26. The storm is expected to bring 2-6 inches of rain depending on the region, with the heaviest rainfall occurring on Christmas Eve. Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed and prepared for hazardous conditions, while holiday travel remains predicted to reach record levels despite the storm’s challenges.

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles braces for significant rainfall and potential flooding as a powerful atmospheric river storm is forecasted to impact the region between December 23 and December 26, 2025.

Storm Forecast and Potential Impacts

The National Weather Service has issued predictions indicating that Southern California, including Los Angeles County, will face heavy rainfall during the upcoming holiday season. Coastal and valley areas are projected to receive between 2 to 4 inches of rain, while foothills and mountainous regions could experience accumulations of up to 6 inches. The most intense rainfall is expected on Christmas Eve, December 24. This storm system, known as a “Pineapple Express,” is characterized by a strong atmospheric river delivering substantial moisture from the tropics, which significantly heightens the risk of flooding, landslides, and hazardous travel conditions over mountain passes. Areas recently impacted by wildfires are particularly susceptible to rapid mud and debris flows, complicating the landscape for local businesses and emergency services alike. High winds accompanying the storm may contribute to power outages, necessitating diligence and preparedness for residents and travelers alike.

Holiday Travel Projections

In light of the impending storm, holiday travel within California is still projected to reach unprecedented levels. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that approximately 109.5 million individuals will travel by car, marking a 2% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, air travel is set to witness approximately 8.03 million passengers, a 2.3% rise from last year, indicating a robust interest in holiday travel despite challenging weather conditions. The anticipated influx of travelers poses opportunities for Los Angeles small businesses, demonstrating resilience and innovation in catering to holiday demand, even amidst adverse weather.

Historical Context

California’s history showcases significant winter storms that have impacted holiday travel, a reminder of the importance of preparedness among residents and travelers. The infamous Christmas Flood of 1964 is a case in point, leading to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage across the state. Such events underscore the need for effective contingency planning and community cooperation during weather emergencies to streamline recovery efforts, yielding opportunities for small businesses to pivot and support the community.

Recommendations for Travelers

• Stay Informed: Regularly check weather forecasts via reliable sources.
• Plan Ahead: Consider adjusting travel plans to avoid peak storm periods, particularly on December 24.
• Prepare for Delays: Allow additional time for travel and be ready for possible disruptions due to severe weather conditions.
• Safety First: Avoid driving through flooded areas and remain cautious of regions prone to landslides.

By prioritizing preparation and remaining informed, travelers can navigate the holiday season more safely, even when faced with challenging weather conditions. This proactive approach not only enhances personal safety but also bolsters the local economy by allowing businesses to maintain continuity in operations despite the storm.

Conclusion

The upcoming atmospheric river storm forecasted for Los Angeles emphasizes the need for vigilance and cooperation among residents and travelers alike. While significant rainfall and associated risks loom, the spirit of innovation and resilience from local businesses remains strong. By staying informed and prepared, both residents and visitors can contribute to a stable economic environment, supporting the community through challenging times. Southern California’s ability to rebound reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that drives its economic growth, particularly in times of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the storm expected to impact Los Angeles?

The storm is forecasted to affect Southern California, including Los Angeles County, between December 23 and December 26, 2025, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated on Christmas Eve, December 24.

How much rainfall is expected?

Coastal and valley areas are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, while foothills and mountainous regions could see up to 6 inches.

What are the potential impacts of the storm?

The storm increases the risk of flooding, landslides, and hazardous travel conditions over mountain passes. Areas recently affected by wildfires are particularly vulnerable to rapid mud and debris flows. High winds may also lead to power outages.

How is holiday travel expected to be affected?

Despite the storm, holiday travel in California is projected to reach record levels, with approximately 109.5 million people expected to travel by car and about 8.03 million travelers anticipated to fly. Travelers should exercise caution, especially when traveling through areas prone to flooding and landslides.

What historical events are similar to this storm?

The Christmas Flood of 1964 resulted in widespread flooding and infrastructure damage across California, highlighting the importance of preparedness during the holiday season.

What precautions should travelers take?

Travelers should stay informed by regularly checking weather forecasts, plan ahead to avoid peak storm periods, prepare for potential delays, and prioritize safety by avoiding driving through flooded areas and being cautious of landslide-prone regions.

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Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana