Powerful Atmospheric River Storm Pounds Los Angeles, Triggers Flooding and Evacuations

A rare and powerful atmospheric river storm brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and debris flow risks across Los Angeles and surrounding counties on Tuesday morning, prompting multiple evacuation orders and emergency rescues, as reported in the Los Angeles Times.

According to the National Weather Service, up to 1.5 inches of rain was expected in valleys and along the coast, and as much as 4 inches in mountain and foothill areas. The system, described as a “rare and very potent storm,” fueled widespread downpours, strong winds, and even tornado warnings along the Central Coast as it moved south through California.

Evacuation Orders and Flood Risks

Evacuation warnings were issued for areas affected by previous wildfires — including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset fire burn scars — due to the heightened risk of debris flows. Nearly 115 properties within the burn scars of the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst fires were under an evacuation order until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

In Orange County, officials issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods below the Airport fire burn scar, citing similar debris flow concerns. Mandatory evacuations were also in effect for areas near Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, Starr Ranch, and Hot Springs Canyon.

By mid-morning Tuesday, rainfall rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour were recorded over the Palisades fire burn scar, leading to a flash flood warning. Meteorologist John Dumas with the National Weather Service noted that burned soil repels water, increasing the risk of damaging floods and debris slides.

Rescue Operations and Storm Impacts

Around 10:30 a.m., firefighters rescued a woman and her two dogs from a platform along the Los Angeles River. Officials did not immediately confirm whether she was injured.

Flooding and debris were reported throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Water covered roadways on Hueneme Road in Mar Vista, the 101 near Seward Avenue in Ventura, and I-5 near Sheldon Road in Sun Valley. Rocks and mud blocked parts of San Francisquito Road in Lake Hughes, while a fallen tree obstructed a lane on Burbank Boulevard in Encino.

The storm also brought high winds and hail to some parts of west central Los Angeles County. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for areas from Thousand Oaks to Westlake Village, with wind gusts reaching 60 mph.

Widespread Effects Across the State

Before reaching Southern California, the storm swept through Northern and Central California, dusting the Sierra Nevada with early-season snow and delaying flights at San Francisco International Airport. In the Bay Area, rainfall totals ranged from 0.5 to 2 inches, while Monterey Bay experienced a spinning column of air and mist.

In San Luis Obispo County, rainfall rates of up to 2.5 inches per hour triggered rare tornado warnings in Pismo Beach, Nipomo, and Oceano. Later, in Ventura County’s mountains, rainfall intensified to 3.5 inches per hour, causing downed trees and rockslides.

Emergency Response and Warnings

City and county agencies deployed crews and resources in advance of the storm. The Los Angeles Fire Department, with support from the state Office of Emergency Services, pre-positioned strike teams, hand crews, urban search-and-rescue specialists, and swift-water rescue units to respond to potential debris flows.

Authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to sign up for alerts at NotifyLA.org and to follow evacuation orders. “These alerts are issued to protect lives,” said L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Conditions can change quickly, and once debris flows begin, it may be too late for emergency crews to reach you.”

Outlook

Flash flood watches and warnings remained in effect across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and inland Orange counties through Tuesday afternoon. The National Weather Service cautioned residents to avoid outdoor activity and road travel, and to stay away from tall trees due to the risk of falling debris and power outages.

Showers are expected to taper off by Wednesday evening, with drier, warmer weather returning by Thursday. Temperatures across Los Angeles County are forecast to rise into the 70s as Southern California’s mild conditions return.