Heavy rain prompts flood watches, evacuation orders in Southern California

LOS ANGELES – Much of the Southland was pelted with heavy rain Saturday, triggering flooding and mudslides in some areas and prompting an evacuation order in recent burn areas.

Two bands of rain made their way into the region, leading to slick roads overnight and early Saturday.

Forecasters warned that at times torrential rain could lead to flash flooding, mudslides and washed-out roads,debris flows and damaging winds — making travel difficult or dangerous.

James Jones carries sandbags while trying to prevent water from running off a property scorched in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., as the region remains under flash flood warnings on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

“During this time, folks should be prepared for ample traffic incidents, delays, and a few road closures,” the National Weather Service said. “This includes a few flooded roads, freeway lanes, and on-ramps and off- ramps. Canyon roads, especially the most vulnerable ones like Topanga Canyon, will likely see mudslide and rock slides. In and near recent burn scars, at least shallow debris flows will occur which would impact roads, with a moderate risk of significant flows blocking or damaging roads and impacting structures.

This includes the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn areas which have the highest threat.

“In creeks and rivers, the flows will be heavy with anyone in or near those channels at risk of being swept away. There will be an area of heaviest rain, but we do not know for sure exactly where that will be.”

A citywide flash flood warning was lifted early Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, along with a similar warning for the Eaton burn scar in Altadena and other areas of Los Angeles County including Malibu, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, San Dimas, West Covina, Pomona, Whittier, Azusa, Torrance, Compton,

Inglewood, Angeles Crest Highway, Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, El Monte, Hacienda Heights and Irwindale.

You may like: Why 2025 became the summer of flash flooding in America

Forecasters expected most of the area to receive between 3 and 6 inches of rain this weekend. More rain is in the forecast Monday, with clearing expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

Aside from the sheer amount of rain, the bigger concern in flood-prone areas was the rainfall rate — with flooding and debris flows generally triggered by heavy downpours that drop a large amount of precipitation in a short period of time.

“When considering the rain we have already seen and will continue to see (Friday), which should precondition the ground and lower the bar of what sort of additional heavy rain is needed to trigger flash flooding, the risk for significant and potentially damaging flooding continues to be moderate to high with the expected rain rates,” the NWS said.

The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning through 11 a.m. Sunday for residents near the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset fire burn zones.

Mayor Karen Bass said evacuation orders will be in effect through 8 a.m. Sunday for “select vulnerable properties within burn scar areas.”

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said 126 homes were impacted by the evacuation order, all in the Palisades Fire burn area.

An evacuation center was established at the Stoner Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave., in West Los Angeles.
In Orange County, the American Red Cross’ Southern California chapter also opened a shelter at Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole in Foothill Ranch.

Los Angeles County officials issued an evacuation warning for residents near the Eaton Fire area in Altadena. County officials warned that any other recent burn areas could also be at increased risk of flooding or debris flows.

In Orange County, authorities issued an evacuation warning for areas near the Airport Fire burn area, including Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon and Bell Canyon.

The rain caused a minor rockfall and debris flows to a stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, according to Caltrans. The highway remained closed, and will reopen after the storms pass and crews have removed all hazards.

In Huntington Beach, Pacific Coast Highway was closed from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Street due to flooding, Caltrans reported.

The city of Los Angeles’ Emergency Operations Center was activated and the Mayor’s Office was coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Public Works and relevant city departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep residents safe, officials said.

The county was offering residents free sandbags for pickup at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252Mountain View St. in Altadena, and at the Malibu Library parking lot, 23519 W. Civic Center Way. The LAFD was providing free sandbags at fire stations throughout the city, with sand available at some of those locations. A listing of locations and more information is available here.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state pre-deployed emergency response crews in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties to enable faster response to any storm-related issues that develop. He said 274 personnel were being deployed, along with 18 engines, three Urban Search & Rescue companies, six bulldozers, three swiftwater-rescue teams, three helicopters and five dispatchers.

Forecasters urged homeowners to prepare for the rain by ensuring gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.

Officials were also warning people to stay off the roads if possible since water can rise quickly and carry people away, adding that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

“Avoid the roads, stay indoors as much as possible, and stay aware of your environment,” forecasters said. “If you have to drive, allow extra time as traffic will be increased due to slippery roads, low visibility, and localized flooding. If you are near a burn scar, heed the advice of local officials as they know your area best. Reschedule and avoid outdoor activities.

If you are outside and hear thunder, see lightning, experience sudden wind shifts, or a sudden increase in rain intensity, head indoors immediately and stay away from windows. Stay out of, and far away from, any streams, rivers, and canyons — especially campers. Avoid parking near tall trees. Be ready for sudden power outages. Boaters, please stay in safe harbor. For everyone, stay tuned to your local news outlet and weather.gov for any updates.”

Sheriff’s officials urged people to use websites such as Ready.Lacounty.gov to stay up to date on road closures, weather alerts, and emergency notifications.

“Our deputies will be out monitoring conditions and ensuring community safety,” according to the department. “Let’s all do our part to stay safe during the storm.”(CNS)

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