outhern California just got slammed with the heaviest rain it has seen in over a year, triggering floods, mudslides, and debris flows that left roads buried and cars trapped. While officials feared that areas scorched by past wildfires would be hit the hardest, those communities were largely spared from major disaster.
Even though the worst of the storm has moved on, some evacuation orders remain in place around Los Angeles as a precaution. Officials are still worried about the possibility of mudslides and rockslides, which can happen even after the rain stops. But for now, the most dangerous part of the storm has passed.
Los Angeles saw more rain from this storm than it had in the past nine months combined. A particularly intense burst of storms moved through the city late in the afternoon, prompting flash flood warnings, especially in burn scar areas like the Eaton and Palisades fire zones. The storm was so powerful that the National Weather Service issued a rare severe thunderstorm warning for the city, warning of wind gusts up to 60 mph.
In Oxnard, a rare tornado tore through a mobile home park, with winds estimated at 75 mph. Damage assessments were still underway Friday. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall caused widespread street flooding and mudslides. In Hollywood Hills, a debris flow dumped about eight inches of mud onto Mulholland Drive, making the road impassable.
In Altadena, near the Eaton Fire burn scar, thick mud trapped several vehicles, and crews worked to dig them out. Over in Sierra Madre, residents scrambled to clear mud and debris from roads and homes. Some had barely unpacked from the last evacuation before facing another one.
Francisco Martinez, a local resident, described the situation to a news outlet, saying, “This community is tough. But I’ve never seen debris and mud like this before.”
One particularly dramatic moment occurred in Malibu, where a Los Angeles Fire Department member was swept off a roadway by a debris flow and into the ocean. Fortunately, they only suffered minor injuries. Nearby, at the well-known Duke’s restaurant, backhoes were needed to clear thick mud from the surrounding streets.
The storm’s impact wasn’t limited to roads and homes. In Azusa, part of a Smart & Final grocery store’s roof collapsed. No injuries were reported, but witnesses described hearing a loud “boom” before the ceiling gave way. One man at the scene, Al Hernandez, recalled, “People were screaming and running—it was just madness.”
In Highland, three dogs became trapped inside a flooded home while their owners were out of town. Friends of the family tried desperately to rescue them but were only able to save one. “The door was swollen shut from all the water. We tried everything, but we just couldn’t get it open,” said Ramona Hernandez, one of the rescuers. Officials planned to return on Friday to attempt another rescue for the remaining dogs.
The storm didn’t just wreak havoc in California—it’s now moving east and bringing more problems. Heavy rain and snow are hitting the Rocky Mountains, while states from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast are bracing for flooding and severe storms this weekend.
Forecasters warn that parts of Tennessee and Kentucky could see some of the worst flooding in years. The Weather Prediction Center issued a rare high-risk warning, something that happens only a few times a year but accounts for most flood-related deaths and damage.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency, urging people to stay off the roads. “We want everyone to be careful,” he said. “This much rain will make driving dangerous, and flash flooding can be deadly.”
Severe thunderstorms are also expected to hit Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. The storms could bring damaging winds, hail, and even tornadoes, particularly late Saturday into the night.
Meanwhile, Texas is facing a double threat. While the eastern part of the state is preparing for heavy rain, the western region is under critical wildfire danger. Governor Greg Abbott has activated emergency response teams as the state braces for impact.
With extreme weather sweeping across the country, officials are urging people to stay informed and take precautions. Whether it’s floods, tornadoes, or wildfires, this storm is proving to be one to remember.
