After rain drenched Southern California on Christmas Day, another storm will hit the region this week starting on New Year’s Eve.
Rain is expected to arrive after midnight and anyone heading out for the early morning commute Wednesday should prepare for slick conditions.
“If you have to drive tomorrow morning, give yourself plenty of time because it’s wet out there and it’s going to be a slow drive,” said KTLA meteorologist Vera Jimenez.
The heaviest rain will arrive between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with 1 to 3 inches expected in the LA basin and 3 to 6 inches in the lowlands and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
Warnings and advisories for wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph, strong enough to down trees and power lines.
A flash flood watch is in effect for most of the Southern California region until 10 p.m. Thursday, with heavy snowfall expected in mountain communities and higher elevations.
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A storm is moving toward Southern California on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2025. (National Weather Service)
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Historical data for precipitation in the Southern California area for New Year’s Day. (National Weather Service)
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A pedestrian carries an umbrella on a rain-soaked 110 Freeway bridge, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/JC Hong)
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Snow White’s dwarves carry umbrellas as they float Disney Parks’ “Most Magical Celebration on Earth” as it makes its way down Colorado Boulevard during the 117th annual Rose Parade Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in Pasadena, Calif. It was the first time the parade had been rained on in more than half a century. Spectacle before it’s over. (AP Photo/Kevork Jansezian
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A crowd gathers along Colorado Boulevard to watch the 117th annual Rose Parade Monday, January 2, 2006 in Pasadena, California. The Rose Parade was rained out for the first time in more than a century and a half, and hundreds left the floral spectacle before it ended. (AP Photo/Kevork Jensagean)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 24: Water levels rise in the LA River during heavy rain from the Pineapple Express storm that hit the area during the week of Christmas on December 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Grace Hye Yoon/Anadolu Gate)
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The Los Angeles River has increased stormwater runoff due to atmospheric rivers affecting Northern California, which is expected to bring heavy rain and possible flooding to the Los Angeles area, Sunday, February 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Damien Dovargnes)
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A lone dog walker braves the pouring rain in the Encino section of Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
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An SUV is buried by a mudslide in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. A storm of historic proportions dumped record-breaking rainfall on parts of Los Angeles on Monday, endangering the city’s large homeless population, sending mud and rocks down mountainsides housing multimillion-dollar homes and knocking out power to more than a million people in California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Tourists from Poland hold umbrellas in front of the Hollywood sign while visiting the Griffith Observatory, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damien Dovarganes)
Because the ground and soil are already saturated from last week’s storms, dangerous mudslides and debris flows are easily activated, especially in areas scarred by wildfires.
An evacuation warning will be in effect Dec. 31 for areas scarred by recent burns throughout Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Lydia, Bridge, Kenneth and Canyon fire areas.
Local authorities are warning residents of dangerous road conditions, including flooding and debris blocking roads.
Avoid driving if possible, and if travel is unavoidable, try not to cross any flooded roads and park your vehicle away from tall trees. Campers should stay away from rivers and streams.
Anyone planning to attend the Rose Parade should expect rainy conditions and prepare accordingly. Pasadena officials encourage campers to bring weather-rated sleeping bags to stay warm overnight. However, tents, scaffolding or ladders are not permitted.
The last time there was heavy rain in the Rose Parade was in 2006. Organizers said the parade will go on, rain or shine.
Rain is expected to move on and off in the area through Saturday, the NWS said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to place fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mudslides and debris flows.
“California is once again bracing for severe winter weather, and we’re taking every precaution to keep people safe,” Newsom said. “By pre-positioning emergency teams and activating resources in advance, we can respond quickly and effectively if the situation worsens. We are urging everyone to stay informed, avoid driving in flooded areas, and take warnings from local authorities seriously.
During a storm, residents should also:
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Bring pets inside during storms to protect them from falling debris
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If you must travel in the mountains, bring snow chains
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Call 911 for life-threatening situations, such as people trapped by buildings threatened by flooding or damaged trees and debris.
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Flooding, downed trees or other significant damage that is not immediately life-threatening can be reported by calling 311 or online at lacity.gov/myla311.
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Do not operate generators indoors or in the garage
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Assume that all downed power lines are electrified and dangerous. Do not contact and call 911 or report a power outage to the Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397.
Residents needing sandbags can find a local distribution site here:
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