Christmas Eve Evacuations Ordered In SoCal: Timeline For Powerful Holiday Storm

Southern Californians are bracing for evacuations, floods and mudslides as an atmospheric-river fueled storm promises a Christmas Eve deluge. Some have already been ordered to evacuate their homes on Christmas Eve, and others may awake Christmas morning to flood water, meteorologists are warning.

If the forecast holds, Southern California could see its stormiest Christmas in years. Powerful wind gusts and several days of heavy rain may trigger dangerous mudslides, topple trees and devastate burn-scarred areas, while also causing major travel disruptions, according to the National Weather Service.

A High Wind Watch and a Flood Watch will be in effect across many areas throughout the week. Officials warn of potential above-curb flooding that could wash into homes and businesses.

Evacuation warnings have been issued in Los Angeles County, particularly near the Palisades, Eaton and Kenneth burn zones. Search your address here to see if your area is under an evacuation warning.

In Orange County an evacuation order has been scheduled for Wednesday at 8 a.m. for parts of Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon and Hot Springs Canyon near the Airport Fire burn, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

READ MORE: Christmas Eve Evacuations Ordered In Orange County As Mega Storm Moves In

The Christmas storm is the second atmospheric river to hit California this week. Known in wintertime as a pineapple express, the first storm drenched Northern and Central California, killing at least one person. The storm missed SoCal.

Good afternoon!!!!

Strong #SoCal storm over the Christmas holiday.

- Rain Tue-Sat
* Heaviest Tue Night-Wed
- FLOOD WATCH Tue Afternoon-Wed Evening
* All 4 counties
* Debris flows and widespread urban flooding possible
- Gusty SE winds Tue-Wed#CAwx pic.twitter.com/RRR7QfQaiE
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) December 21, 2025

"The storm providing the atmospheric rivers has the potential to become a bomb cyclone off the California coast," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

Rain and gusty winds are expected from Tuesday through Thursday with the heaviest day of rain forecast for Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

See The Holiday Storm's Timeline:

Tuesday

Dark grey clouds were already looming over much of SoCal by Tuesday morning. Light showers approaching from the southwest, began along the coast Tuesday morning and will reach across the region around mid-afternoon to early evening.

"It's the "calm" before the storm. All systems are a go for a very impactful event for Southwestern California," the National Weather Service said Tuesday morning. "For today, current forecast looks good with chance of light rain developing across the area while southeasterly winds increase."

Thunderstorms are possible after 10 p.m. Rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches are expected.

Wednesday

By Wednesday, "much heavier" rain is expected.

Thunderstorms could materialize during the day in LA and Orange counties and in the evening in Riverside, San Diego counties. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches are possible.

Conditions will likely be breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph and gusts as high as 40 mph in many areas, especially those under a high wind watch.

Thursday

After a brief reprieve from the rain and winds on Christmas Eve, a "second burst" of rain and wind is expected Christmas Day, according to the NWS.

"Initially it was thought that the Christmas day rain would be fairly benign, but more recent models are indicating a similarly strong low level jet of 60-70 (wind knots) returning that morning," the weather service said.

More showers and possibly another thunderstorm could materialize. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph in many areas.

The NWS is advising SoCal prepare for the following potential hazards:

• Downed trees and power lines
• Dangerous sea conditions for all vessel types
• Coastal flooding
• Streams and river flooding
• Flooding over curbs that could affect homes and businesses
• Flooded freeways
• Mudslides, especially in burn scars
• Water rescues
• Power outages

Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas to set up sandbags, which are being distributed in most communities. In LA County, find sandbag information here. The city of San Diego is offering information here. Check your city or county's website to find pickup locations.

The National Weather Service said another storm system appears to be developing in the Pacific Northwest and could track into Southern California shortly after Christmas, though its timing and strength remain uncertain.

RELATED:

• Road Closures Planned For Malibu Ahead Of Christmas Storm
• Riverside County Under Flood Watch, Wind Advisory, With Heavy Rains Forecast
• Evacuation Orders, Warnings In Effect For Eaton And Palisades Fire Burn Scars