A vehicle remained stuck and covered in thick mud after flooding swept through Wrightwood, California, on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025. AP Photo
A powerful storm swept across California on Christmas Day, bringing fresh danger to communities already soaked by days of heavy rain. Flooding, mudslides, and strong winds forced evacuation warnings, knocked out power, and left residents struggling through a holiday marked by damage and uncertainty.
Mountain Town Faces New Evacuation Warnings
Southern California officials issued evacuation warnings for the mountain town of Wrightwood, about 130 kilometres northeast of Los Angeles. The warning came one day after emergency crews rescued people trapped in vehicles during a mudslide.
Roads in the town of roughly 5,000 residents filled with thick mud, rocks, and debris. With electricity cut off, a gas station and coffee shop running on generators became gathering points for locals and stranded visitors.
“It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who spent the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson.
Her grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo, said the family nearly evacuated when part of their backyard washed away. They decided to stay and mark the holiday quietly. “We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.
Rescues and Community Efforts Continue
Residents helped one another as conditions worsened. Davey Schneider walked more than two kilometres through floodwater up to his shins to rescue cats from his grandfather’s home.
“I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider said. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re all okay — just a little bit scared.”
Another resident, Arlene Corte, said roads turned into rivers but her home escaped damage. “It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”
Emergency Crews Prepare for More Rain
More rain remained in the forecast, prompting authorities to step up emergency efforts. Over 150 firefighters positioned themselves in and around Wrightwood as conditions threatened to worsen.
“We’re ready,” said fire department spokesperson Shawn Millerick. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”
Across the state, more than 70,000 people lost power by Thursday afternoon as wind and rain damaged electrical lines.
Deadly Weather and Travel Risks
The storms already claimed lives. A falling tree killed a man in San Diego, while farther north, a sheriff’s deputy near Sacramento died in what officials believe was a weather-related crash.
Along the coast, flood watches remained in place for areas including Malibu. High surf warnings stretched along the shoreline, while winds battered much of central and northern California.
Forecasters warned that waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach up to 7.6 metres.
Snow, Ice, and National Travel Disruptions
The storm system extended beyond California and threatened holiday travel across the United States. Forecasters expected the system to move toward the Midwest and Northeast, bringing freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Ice buildup could trigger more power outages in several states, while snow threatened to blanket parts of the Northeast.
Heavy Snow and Avalanche Risk
In the Sierra Nevada, heavy snow continued to pile up. Ski resorts near Lake Tahoe reported up to three feet of snow overnight, with more on the way. Strong winds created near whiteout conditions and raised avalanche risks around the region.California Governor Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties, allowing faster access to state resources. Emergency crews and the National Guard stood ready to assist as the storms continued to test the state.
