Forecasters warned that the risk of larger landslides would persist as the ground remained water-logged. Residents in historically vulnerable zones were advised to keep sandbags in place and monitor official alerts. The National Weather Service stressed that even brief, locally intense bursts could rapidly overwhelm drainage systems. In a seasonal reminder to holiday travelers, meteorologists underscored that saturated slopes often give way without warning after rainfall appears to subside.
Nationwide ripple effects
The western deluge formed one part of a broader storm system that also lashed the central and eastern United States. ABC News Live reported that the combination of rain out West and blizzard conditions in parts of the Rockies and Upper Midwest contributed to widespread airline disruptions. By the afternoon of December 26, flight-tracking service FlightAware tallied thousands of cancellations or delays, complicating post-Christmas returns.
At major California airports, operations remained slower than normal as carriers repositioned aircraft and crews. While most weather-related cancellations occurred farther east, heavy coastal showers added to congestion on runways in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. Officials urged passengers to verify itineraries before heading to terminals and to anticipate longer security lines because of rescheduled departures.
Continuous rain keeps first responders on alert
Fire departments and public works crews maintained an elevated posture along the state’s central and southern coasts. In Los Angeles County, swift-water rescue teams staged equipment near flood-prone washes, while utility workers inspected vulnerable power lines. The California Highway Patrol responded to multiple spinouts on slick freeways and advised motorists to reduce speeds, especially at night when pooling water was harder to detect.
Although no large-scale evacuations were ordered, authorities highlighted the need for situational awareness. Coastal lifeguards warned of dangerous surf generated by the same low-pressure system, cautioning beachgoers to stay clear of strong rip currents and sudden sneaker waves. Inland, park rangers closed several trails in the Santa Monica and Santa Ynez mountains after minor slides left debris across switchbacks.
Forecast calls for gradual improvement
Meteorologists expected the most persistent rain to ease by the final weekend of 2025. Nonetheless, forecasting offices cautioned that saturated ground would continue to pose hazards. The National Weather Service recommended that residents keep emergency kits stocked and remain attentive to updated advisories until the soil had time to dry. For broader context on flood safety preparation, the agency provides detailed guidance on its website at weather.gov.
In Northern California, forecasters anticipated showers tapering to scattered drizzle, though temperatures were predicted to stay several degrees below seasonal averages. Farther south, lingering moisture could produce isolated thunderstorms capable of brief heavy downpours. Should additional cells develop, officials warned that even short bursts could revive localized flooding in neighborhoods where drainage systems were still clearing earlier runoff.
Holiday travel outlook
Transportation planners said rail and interstate traffic were gradually returning to normal but cautioned that wet pavement would remain an issue for drivers heading home after Christmas gatherings. Interstate 5 through the Grapevine saw periodic chain controls when rain mixed with colder air from adjacent mountain passes. Local transit agencies issued advisories detailing detours around minor mudslide sites, encouraging commuters to consult live maps before departing.
Away from California, the broader winter storm shifted its focus eastward, dropping heavy snow across parts of New England and upstate New York. Ice accumulation brought down tree limbs and power lines in several communities, underscoring the expansive reach of the holiday week system. Authorities in the Northeast urged travelers to allow extra time and to carry emergency supplies in vehicles until road crews completed clearing operations.
While the immediate rainfall rates along the California coast began to diminish late Friday, meteorologists emphasized that the state’s wet season was far from over. With reservoirs still recovering from previous drought years, water managers viewed the recent storms as a mixed blessing—boosting supplies but increasing the short-term danger of runoff-related incidents.
Officials reiterated that the public should heed all remaining advisories and avoid driving through standing water. As the calendar turns toward the new year, emergency agencies plan to review response efforts and refine protocols before the next round of winter weather arrives.
Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live
