Los Angeles, CA, December 21, 2025
Los Angeles is preparing for a significant storm system that is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with forecasts indicating up to 2 inches of rain from Tuesday through Christmas Day. The National Weather Service predicts peak rainfall between Tuesday and Thursday, especially on Christmas Eve. Residents are warned of potential flooding, mudslides, and hazardous travel conditions. Securing outdoor items and monitoring weather updates are strongly advised as the region braces for one of its stormiest Christmases in decades, recalling the last significant rainfall during this holiday in 1971.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles braces for heavy rainfall and potential flooding as a powerful storm system approaches, with forecasts predicting up to 2 inches of rain from Tuesday through Christmas Day.
Storm Timing and Intensity
The National Weather Service anticipates the storm to peak between Tuesday and Thursday, bringing significant rainfall to Southern California. Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties are expected to experience an 80% to 100% chance of rain starting Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday and Thursday. Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County may see lighter showers on Tuesday, with heavier rainfall expected on Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated on Christmas Eve, with more rain in the forecast on Christmas Day. The wet weather is expected to stick around through Friday, though the rain chances will begin to decrease. More scattered showers may even continue into Saturday.
Potential Impacts
Forecasters warn that the storm could lead to significant impacts, including:
- Flooding: Urban and low-lying areas may experience flash floods, with streams and rivers potentially overflowing their banks.
- Mudslides: Heavy rainfall in mountainous regions increases the risk of mudslides and debris flows, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires.
- Travel Disruptions: Hazardous driving conditions are expected, with slick roads and reduced visibility. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions.
Historical Context
If the forecasts hold, this could be one of the stormiest Christmases in recent memory for Southern California. The last time downtown Los Angeles received 2 or more inches of rain over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was in 1971.
Recommendations
Residents and travelers are urged to stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and to prepare for potential disruptions. It’s advisable to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded areas, and have an emergency kit ready. For the latest information, consult official sources and local authorities.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Timing | Tuesday through Thursday, with peak rainfall on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| Expected Rainfall | 80% to 100% chance of rain in Los Angeles, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| Potential Impacts | Flooding, mudslides, and travel disruptions due to hazardous driving conditions. |
| Historical Context | Last occurrence of 2 or more inches of rain over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in downtown Los Angeles was in 1971. |
| Recommendations | Stay informed, secure outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded areas, and have an emergency kit ready. |
FAQ
What is the expected rainfall for Los Angeles during the upcoming storm?
The National Weather Service forecasts an 80% to 100% chance of rain in Los Angeles starting Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday and Thursday, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
When was the last time downtown Los Angeles received 2 or more inches of rain over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
The last occurrence was in 1971.
What potential impacts should residents be aware of during this storm?
Residents should be aware of potential flooding, mudslides, and travel disruptions due to hazardous driving conditions.
What precautions should residents take in preparation for the storm?
Residents are advised to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through flooded areas, and have an emergency kit ready. For the latest information, consult official sources and local authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Braces for Major Rainfall and Flooding
LAFD’s Wildfire Preparedness After Palisades Fire Under Review
Urgent Search for Missing 76-Year-Old Man in Los Angeles Area
LAPD Responds to Apartment Break-In in Winnetka
Wildfire Erupts in Los Angeles County, Prompting Evacuations
Los Angeles Experiences Unseasonable Warmth Before Holiday Storms
DUI Driver Crashes Ferrari into Building in Santa Ana
Los Angeles Faces Air Quality Alert Amid Dense Fog
Los Angeles County Hosts 7th Annual California Great Santa Stroll
City Council Votes on LAPD Funding for Public Safety
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
