A powerful atmospheric river system has swept across California, drenching large portions of the state with relentless rainfall and causing severe flooding, mudslides, and mass power outages. The long-duration storm, one of the strongest of the season, struck hardest in Southern California, where emergency crews spent the weekend responding to rapid-moving floodwaters and debris flows.
The storm arrived earlier in the week, but its most intense impacts were felt from Thursday through Friday. Meteorologists say additional waves of moisture are expected in the days ahead, raising concerns that already saturated soil could lead to further landslides and urban flooding.
Several counties-including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo-experienced some of the heaviest rainfall in years. Mountain ranges absorbed the brunt of the moisture, with rain gauges recording double-digit totals in some locations. Downtown Los Angeles saw more than two inches fall in just 24 hours, while certain foothill communities reported rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour during the storm’s peak.
Statewide lost electricity as strong winds and fallen trees damaged power lines. Utility crews worked around the clock to restore service, but officials warned that outages may persist in high-risk areas where conditions remain unstable.
Emergency responders across the region carried out multiple rescues, including a dramatic operation in the Valley where firefighters pulled a man from a fast-moving storm channel. Flooded intersections, stranded vehicles, and blocked roadways created additional challenges, with mudslides in Beverly Hills and other hillside neighborhoods forcing temporary closures and evacuation notices.
Officials stressed that the risk is far from over. With more rain expected and hillsides soaked from repeated storms this season, communities in burn scar zones and steep terrain remain on high alert. Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded streets, monitor local alerts, and comply with evacuation orders whenever issued.
Meteorologists say this event is part of a larger pattern of atmospheric river activity affecting the West Coast. While rainfall may taper off briefly, forecasters expect another surge of moisture to arrive early next week, potentially extending flood hazards into several regions.
As California for more unstable weather, emergency agencies continue to coordinate response efforts, reminding the public that even a few inches of fast-moving water can be life-threatening. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power outages, remain aware of changing conditions, and prioritize safety until the series of storms fully passes.
