A powerful and unusually intense storm system, known as an atmospheric river, is currently deluging Southern California with torrential rain. Forecasters are warning that the heavy downpour, which began in earnest on Friday, 14th November 2025, could trigger dangerous rockslides and debris flows, particularly in the Los Angeles areas scorched by wildfires earlier this year.
Widespread Impacts and Severe Warnings
The National Weather Service reported that the storm, which first soaked the San Francisco Bay Area on Wednesday, moved south towards Los Angeles. More than four inches of rain fell over coastal Santa Barbara County early on Friday. The long plume of tropical moisture is predicted to unleash widespread rain across Southern California through to Sunday, with the most intense periods expected on Friday and Saturday nights.
Authorities have issued serious warnings about damaging winds and the potential for a tornado to form, urging residents to stay indoors. While rare in California, a tornado did touch down in a Los Angeles suburb in 2023, causing significant damage. A smaller one also struck a mobile home park in Carpinteria, damaging about 25 residences.
Evacuations and Immediate Dangers
In response to the imminent threat, evacuation warnings are active for parts of Ventura County and the recently burned areas in and around Los Angeles. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for high-risk properties in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas, effective from Friday evening until Sunday morning. Law enforcement officials are conducting door-to-door visits in these zones to ensure people leave.
The weather service has stated that the heaviest rain could fall at a rate of up to an inch per hour across a large portion of the region. "The period of most concern is tonight through Saturday Night," they emphasised, advising the public to prepare for traffic incidents, delays, and road closures, including flooded roads and freeway lanes.
Ongoing Risks and Further Forecast
Although the storm's major effects were still developing, an early sign of its power was seen when a large downed tree smashed a car in an LA neighbourhood on Friday morning. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Canyon roads, especially vulnerable routes like Topanga Canyon, are highly likely to experience mudslides and rockslides. The weather service has placed neighbourhoods ravaged by this year's wildfires on high alert. The wet weather is set to continue into next week, with another storm predicted to bring light to moderate rain, offering only a brief respite before yet another system follows days later.
