After rain hit Southern California over Christmas, another storm is set to hit the region this week starting on New Year’s Eve.
Rain is expected to fall after midnight and anyone traveling early Wednesday morning should be prepared for slippery conditions.
“If you have to drive tomorrow morning, give yourself plenty of time because it’s going to be wet out and driving is going to be slow,” KTLA meteorologist Vera Jimenez said.
The heaviest rainfall will come between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with 1 to 3 inches of rain expected in the Los Angeles basin and 3 to 6 inches in the hills and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
High wind warnings and advisories, with gusts possible of 30 to 50 mph, strong enough to knock down trees and power lines.
A flood watch is in effect for much of Southern California until 10 p.m. Thursday night. Heavy snowfall is expected in mountain communities and high altitude areas.
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On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2025, a storm will hit Southern California. (National Weather Service)
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Historical New Year’s Day rainfall data for Southern California. (National Weather Service)
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A pedestrian holding an umbrella walks on a bridge on the rain-soaked Highway 110 in Los Angeles on Friday, November 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Snow White’s dwarfs hold umbrellas as they follow the Disneyland float “Earth’s Most Magical Celebration” down Colorado Boulevard during the 117th Annual Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2006 in Pasadena, California. Rain fell on the Rose Parade for the first time in more than half a century, and hundreds of people left the float before the show ended. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian
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On Monday, January 2, 2006, a crowd gathered along Colorado Boulevard in a pouring rain to watch the 117th Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Rain fell on the Rose Parade for the first time in more than half a century, and hundreds of people left before the float ended. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Water levels in the Los Angeles River rise as Storm Pineapple Express affects the area during the Christmas season on December 24, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hie Yoon/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Increased stormwater flows from the Los Angeles River are expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Los Angeles area on Sunday, February 4, 2024, as atmospheric rivers impact Northern California. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A lone dog walker braves the pouring rain on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the Encino section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
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On Monday, February 5, 2024, an SUV was buried by a mudslide in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. An unprecedented storm dumped record rainfall on parts of Los Angeles on Monday, endangering the lives of the city’s large homeless population, sending mud and boulders rolling down hillsides dotted with multi-million-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 in the rain during a visit to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Because the ground and soil are already saturated from last week’s storms, dangerous mudslides and mudslides can easily occur, especially in wildfire burn scar areas.
Evacuation warnings are in effect through December 31 for areas with recent burn scars in Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Lidia, Bridge, Kenneth and Canyon fire areas.
Local officials warned residents of dangerous road conditions, including flooding and scattered debris blocking streets.
Avoid driving if possible, if unavoidable, do not attempt to cross any flooded roads and park your vehicle away from tall trees. Campers should stay away from streams and rivers.
Anyone planning to attend the Rose Parade should be prepared for rain and prepare accordingly. Pasadena officials encourage campers to bring weatherproof sleeping bags to stay warm at night. However, no tents, scaffolding or ladders are allowed.
The last time the Rose Parade saw heavy rain was in 2006. Organizers say the float parade will go on rain or shine.
Showers are expected to continue throughout the region into Saturday, the National Weather Service said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to deploy fire rescue personnel and resources to areas with the highest risk of flooding, mud and debris flows.
“California is once again facing severe winter weather, and we are taking every precaution to keep people safe,” Newsom said. “By pre-positioning emergency personnel and activating resources early, we can respond faster and more effectively if conditions worsen. We urge everyone to stay informed, avoid driving through flooded areas, and take warnings from local officials seriously as storms pass through.”
During storms, residents should also take the following actions:
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Bring pets indoors during storms to ensure they are protected from falling debris
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If you must travel into the mountains, bring snow chains
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If there is a life-threatening situation, such as a person trapped by floodwaters, damaged trees, or mudslides threatening structures, call 911
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Flooding, downed trees or other major damage that is not immediately life-threatening can be reported to 311 or online at lacity.gov/myla311
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Do not run a generator indoors or in a garage
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Assume that all downed power lines are live and dangerous. Avoid contact and report the outage to 911 or the Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397
Residents in need of sandbags can find local distribution points here:
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