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Christmas Week Storm: Southern California Braces for Flooding

12/21/2025

39 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A powerful Pineapple Express storm will impact Southern California during Christmas week, bringing heavy rain and winds.
Coastal and valley areas may receive 2–4 inches of rain, with up to 8 inches in the mountains.
The storm could bring significant flooding, mudslides, and travel disruptions.
The heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with a 40% chance.
Meteorologists warn of hazards such as downed trees and power lines.

History

Historical Context

The Great Flood of 1938 struck Southern California, resulting in over 100 deaths and displacing thousands as the Los Angeles River overflowed, causing extensive damage to cities like Los Angeles and Pasadena. This disaster followed previous floods, including the St. Francis Dam collapse in 1928, prompting significant infrastructure improvements to mitigate future flooding risks in the region.

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Story summary

A powerful Pineapple Express storm will impact Southern California during Christmas week, bringing heavy rain and winds.
Coastal and valley areas may receive 2–4 inches of rain, with up to 8 inches in the mountains.
The storm could bring significant flooding, mudslides, and travel disruptions.
The heaviest rainfall is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with a 40% chance.
Meteorologists warn of hazards such as downed trees and power lines.

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