News Summary
Los Angeles is experiencing a rare October storm, bringing heavy rains, high winds, and threats of mudslides and tornadoes. Evacuations were ordered in fire-scarred areas but lifted later. Rainfall exceeds three inches in some regions, with significant flooding disrupting traffic. Precautions like sandbag deployment were taken as over 16,000 residents faced power outages. As the storm’s intensity wanes, meteorologists warn of continued risks, marking the first significant rain event of the 2023 water year.
Los Angeles is facing a rare October storm that has brought heavy rain, high winds, and potential mudslides and tornadoes to Southern California. The National Weather Service (NWS) has characterized the storm as a “rare and very potent storm system,” with the most severe effects expected to hit the region on Tuesday afternoon.
In response to the storm’s forecast, evacuation orders were issued for specific areas, including Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, Hot Springs Canyon, and Long Canyon, particularly near recent fire burn scars. However, by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, evacuation orders were lifted for the affected areas, along with the removal of all road closures.
During the storm, rainfall amounts varied significantly, with over three inches reported at locations such as Sepulveda Canyon and Mulholland. Wind gusts and the potential for mud and debris flows have raised concerns about safety in hillside areas impacted by previous wildfires. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has been monitoring the situation closely.
Flooding incidents were reported across multiple regions, leading to disruptions in traffic on local roads and major freeways. A mudslide caused lane closures on the southbound 110 Parkway at Avenue 43, while an overturned big rig resulted in significant delays at the 5 and 118 freeway interchange in Pacoima. Additionally, a roof collapse was reported at a studio on Sherman Way due to the excessive rain, though no injuries were documented.
Rainfall rates were particularly alarming, reaching as high as 2.5 inches per hour in certain areas. The storm also prompted tornado warnings for Los Angeles, marking the city’s first tornado risk since February 2023. Although evacuation warnings remain in effect for areas affected by past wildfires, a temporary evacuation shelter has been established to assist residents.
Current conditions exacerbate concerns over possible flooding and mudslides, given the impact that the storm is having on recently burned land. Moreover, over 16,000 residents have experienced power outages as a direct result of the severe weather.
Meteorologists suggest that while the storm’s intensity is starting to diminish, the unpredictable nature of such weather events continues to pose risks. Southern California has not encountered October rainfall of this magnitude since 2009. This storm has marked the first significant rain event of the 2023 water year, which began on October 1.
In preparation for the storm, officials took proactive measures to mitigate impacts in vulnerable areas, including deploying sandbags. As the day progresses, weather forecasts indicate that rain is expected to lessen, paving the way for a transition to warmer and drier conditions in the days ahead.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Weather in California
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: California storm 2025
- NBC Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: California weather events
- KTLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California weather
- Deadline
- Google News: Los Angeles storm October 2025
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LOS ANGELES STAFF 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
