Southern California was hit by deadly flooding over the Christmas holiday as a powerful atmospheric river storm unleashed torrential rain, triggering flash floods, mudslides, and widespread damage across the region. Authorities confirmed at least four deaths as hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate from flood-prone and mountainous areas.

The storm system delivered extreme rainfall between December 24 and December 26, dumping as much as 11 inches of rain in parts of Los Angeles County. The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, destabilized hillsides, and caused massive mudslides that swept through communities, blocking roads and knocking out power to thousands of homes.

Video footage released by the San Bernardino County Fire Department on Wednesday shows fast-moving floodwaters surging through a mountain resort area, battering homes and infrastructure. Emergency crews were seen navigating hazardous conditions as water and debris rushed through normally quiet residential zones.

The flooding prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency covering Los Angeles and several other southern California counties. The declaration allowed for the rapid deployment of state resources, while the California National Guard was placed on standby to assist with evacuations, rescue operations, and recovery efforts.

Officials warned that saturated ground conditions significantly increase the risk of additional landslides, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires. Residents were urged to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders, and avoid travel in impacted regions as emergency crews continue damage assessments and debris removal.

The holiday storm highlights the growing severity of extreme weather events impacting California, where powerful atmospheric river systems have increasingly led to life-threatening floods and infrastructure damage. Recovery efforts are expected to continue for weeks as communities work to rebuild and restore essential services.