Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Atmospheric River Brings Flash Floods and Stormy Seas to Southern California
A very big and wet storm, called an atmospheric river, is bringing a lot of rain to Southern California.
This storm started a few days ago in the north and moved down.
The rain is falling so fast in some places that it could cause floods, especially in areas that were recently burned by wildfires.
The wind is also strong, and the ocean waves are very big and dangerous.
Sadly, some people have died because of this storm.
A boat carrying people from Mexico flipped over in the rough sea, and sadly some of them drowned.
In another part of California, a car was washed off a bridge, and a small child was swept into the ocean.
Because of the danger of floods and mud, some people living in special areas, like near recent fires, have been told they must leave their homes for a while.
This storm is also bringing a lot of snow to the mountains.
An atmospheric river is bringing heavy rainfall to Southern California, with rates of up to an inch per hour in coastal areas.
Flood warnings are in effect for parts of Los Angeles County, particularly areas recently affected by wildfires, due to the risk of flash floods and debris flows.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for high-risk properties in specific burn areas, and evacuation warnings are in place for all recent burn scar zones.
The storm has caused dangerous conditions at sea, leading to the capsizing of a boat believed to be ferrying migrants, resulting in at least four deaths and four hospitalizations.
Tragic incidents related to the storm include a vehicle being swept off a flooded bridge in Northern California, resulting in one death, and a child being swept into the ocean by large waves on the Central Coast.
- Who
- Residents of Southern California, U.S. Coast Guard, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
- What
- An atmospheric river storm system causing heavy rainfall, flash floods, strong winds, dangerous seas, and subsequent deaths and disappearances.
- When
- Saturday, with rain starting as early as Wednesday in the Bay Area and Friday in Southern California.
- Where
- Southern California, including coastal Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Malibu, San Francisco Bay Area, Central Coast, and the Sierra Nevada.
- Why
- An unusually strong atmospheric river, a long plume of tropical moisture from the Pacific Ocean, brought heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions.
Authorities
Public
Evacuations
Authorities
Mandatory evacuation orders and warnings have been issued for high-risk properties and recent burn scar areas due to the potential for flash floods and debris flows, with law enforcement urging residents to leave.
Public
Residents in affected areas are experiencing the impacts of the storm, including potential displacement due to evacuation orders.
- Storm Type
- Atmospheric River
- Locations Affected
- Southern California (coastal areas, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Malibu, San Francisco Bay Area, Sierra Nevada, Central Coast)
- Rainfall Rates
- Up to 1 inch per hour in coastal areas
- Snowfall
- Over a foot predicted for parts of the Sierra Nevada
- Fatalities
- At least 4 dead from capsized migrant boat; 1 dead from vehicle swept off bridge; 1 child missing after being swept into ocean
- Evacuation Status
- Mandatory evacuation orders for high-risk properties in Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas; Evacuation Warning for all recent burn scar areas.
