Southern California Hit by Heavy Rainfall: Flash Flood Warnings Issued

Sat Nov 22 2025 07:07:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Torrential rains have swept through Southern California, triggering flash flood warnings as areas prepare for potential mudslides and unprecedented November rainfall. The National Weather Service reports significant increases in precipitation across the region.

A series of storms since mid-November have led to unprecedented rainfall in Southern California, prompting flash flood warnings across major areas, including downtown Los Angeles and Orange County. Residents have been advised to stay vigilant as the threat of mudslides looms, particularly in regions affected by recent wildfires. The rainfall totals have reached over four times the usual amounts for November, with some mountainous areas receiving up to 15 inches.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Torrential rains drenched parts of Southern California on Friday, leading to new flash flood warnings following earlier storms that put the region on track for near-record November rainfall, the National Weather Service said.

Before dawn Friday, residents were warned of flash flooding of streets, creeks, and streams and potential mudslides in several areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties. In coastal Huntington Beach, rain flowed through some streets like a stream.

The most recent flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service covered areas from downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica to Mission Viejo in Orange County. Vehicles were reportedly stuck in floodwaters near Culver City.

Beginning on November 13, a series of storms has delivered extraordinary amounts of rain, with totals surpassing four times the average for November in downtown Los Angeles. While a typical November sees about 0.78 inches (2 centimeters) of rain, this month has already accumulated around 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters).

Santa Barbara County has been particularly hard hit by the moisture, with parts of the Santa Ynez Mountains recording over 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain this month.

A potent atmospheric river is credited with causing at least six fatalities earlier this month as it moved across much of California. The heavy rains increase the risk of mudslides in areas recently impacted by wildfires.

Atmospheric rivers are elongated bands of water vapor that form over oceans and move across the sky, transporting significant moisture from tropical regions to northern latitudes.