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California Braces for Christmas Storms: Floods and Snow Ahead

12/24/2025

28 4 Full Breakdown

Center

California Storm Crisis

California faces severe winter storms over the Christmas holiday as atmospheric rivers bring heavy rain, strong winds, and significant mountain snow through December 27.
Flash flooding and mudslides are likely, especially in areas burned by wildfires, prompting evacuation warnings for vulnerable residents.
Forecasts predict up to 20 inches of rain in some regions and Sierra Nevada blizzards, raising concerns about road closures and power outages.

Left

Skiers Await Snow

Unseasonably high temperatures left Big Bear Mountain Resort in California with little snow, prompting visitors to joke about renaming it "Big Bare."
As of Friday, California had only 12% of normal snow for this time of year.
Skiers and water managers hope for a strong atmospheric river this week that could deliver up to 7 feet to Mammoth Mountain and 3 feet to Big Bear, if temperatures stay low.

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California Storm Crisis

California faces severe winter storms over the Christmas holiday as atmospheric rivers bring heavy rain, strong winds, and significant mountain snow through December 27.
Flash flooding and mudslides are likely, especially in areas burned by wildfires, prompting evacuation warnings for vulnerable residents.
Forecasts predict up to 20 inches of rain in some regions and Sierra Nevada blizzards, raising concerns about road closures and power outages.

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