Southern California storm brings ‘very concerning’ rain forecast
Southern California storm brings ‘very concerning’ rain forecast
by: Marc Sternfield
Posted: Dec 23, 2025 / 01:55 PM PST
Updated: Dec 23, 2025 / 01:55 PM PST
As Southern California braces for the impact of a powerful atmospheric river over the Christmas holiday, one prominent climate blogger is warning of a “very concerning” rainfall forecast based on model data.
Colin McCarthy, who runs U.S. Stormwatch, shared a projection indicating more than 20 inches of rain could fall in the mountains over the next 48 hours.
“This would lead to potential catastrophic flooding and is exactly why a rare high risk for flash flooding has been issued by the @NWSWPC,” McCarthy warned.
Indeed, the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center has issued a high-risk alert for flash flooding at higher elevations of Southern California due to “excessive rainfall,” which indicates a 70% or greater chance of flooding.
The last time it issued this alert was during the January 2023 atmospheric river event, which brought widespread flooding and mudslides to the region.
The storm forecast calls for 2 to 4 inches of rain across much of Southern California’s coastal areas, valleys and basins through Christmas Day, with showers extending into the weekend. A Flood Watch is in effect for all of Southern California.
The storm was beginning to move into SoCal Tuesday afternoon, and rain was expected to intensify into the evening and overnight hours.
Latest Southern California Radar – Tap for interactive map
“Significant flooding issues are likely along with the potential for strong thunderstorms,” the Weather Service said. Residents living near several wildfire burn scars have been told to prepare to evacuate.
Also, A High Wind Warning is in effect for interior areas, and a Wind Advisory covers parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
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