California hit by major storm, hundreds evacuated ahead of Christmas

A powerful storm swept across California on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents in affected areas.

The National Weather Service warned of “heavy rain, snow, and strong winds” continuing through Friday, urging caution across northern, central, and southern parts of the state.

Travel disruptions during the holidays

Meteorologist Ariel Cohen from Los Angeles advised residents planning to travel during the Christmas holiday to reconsider their plans. The storm is expected to bring persistent rain and snow over several days, causing flooding, landslides, and road closures, particularly in mountainous and valley areas.

Potential impact and warnings

Some areas in Southern California could see up to 30.5 cm of rainfall. Officials noted that regions affected by wildfires earlier this year remain especially vulnerable to mudflows and debris. Over 200 homes were ordered evacuated on Tuesday, and alerts have been raised across much of Los Angeles County and other parts of the state in anticipation of flooding.

Snowfall in the Sierras

The Sierra Nevada mountains along California’s eastern border have already seen about 30 cm of snow this week, with totals expected to reach up to 152 cm by the end of the storm. Winds may reach speeds of up to 88 km/h, and meteorologists warned that saturated soil combined with strong winds increases the risk of fallen trees and power lines, posing significant threats to life and property.

Context: wildfires and 2025 risks

Officials highlighted that 2025 has already seen 31 deaths and 8,019 wildfires burning over 212,551 hectares statewide. Areas affected by these fires, including neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Pacific Palisades, remain highly susceptible to storm-related hazards.