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Pineapple Express storm drenches Southern California — When will the rain end?

Southern California experiences a wet Christmas; “white” is reserved only for high mountain communities.

A. strong storm Torrential downpours hit the region on Wednesday, thanks to a “Pineapple Express” moisture cloud coming from the south.

“If you are planning to be on the road for the Christmas holiday, please reconsider your plans,” Ariel Cohen said. National Weather Service Meteorologist in Los Angeles.

The National Weather Service issued a statement flood warning and a flood watch covering most of Southern California through Thursday afternoon. The high wind warning will be in effect until 3pm on Thursday, with winds reaching speeds of up to 50 mph in some areas. Coastal communities face a high surf warning until Saturday, with waves of up to 3m and a storm warning.

Rain threatened to cause mudslides in areas scorched by recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Sunset Fire, but no major debris flows had been reported as of 10 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Those living near the burn scars were told to prepare to evacuate and They protect their homes with sandbags.

NOAA satellite image of the storm over California on December 24, 2025.

Popular two of the region theme parksSix Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm announced they will close Wednesday due to inclement weather.

National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said Southern California typically gets 0.5 to 1 inch of rain this time of year, but many areas could see 4 to 8 inches this week.

By mid-morning, parts of Los Angeles County received more than five inches of rain. Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley received more than three inches. More than an inch of rain was seen in Bel Air, Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

“The threat posed by this storm is real and immediate,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell warned. He urged people in burn scar areas to reconsider weathering the storm at home.

Officials have taken steps to reduce the risk in and around burn scars, with Los Angeles County installing K-rails (barriers designed to catch sliding debris) and offering free sandbags to residents.

Snow levels are expected to remain above 7,500 to 8,000 feet on Christmas Eve, then drop to 6,500 to 7,000 feet on Christmas Day and as low as 5,500 feet by Friday, according to the Weather Service.

Kastaic Mud — Minor flooding and debris on the road in Gorman, California, on December 24, 2025. (RMG Media)

Atmospheric rivers transport moisture from the tropics to northern latitudes in the form of long, narrow bands of water vapor that form over the ocean and flow skyward.

The storm has already caused damage in Northern California, where flash floods cost water rescuers and at least one death, officials said. Shasta County Sheriff Michael L. Johnson declared a local state of emergency earlier this week to prepare for more rain and allow for additional search-and-rescue and hazard mitigation efforts.

KTLA meteorologist Mark Kriski said the storm will begin to taper off late Thursday.

“Future forecast: Things start to break down on Friday and towards the end of the week,” Kriski said. “Some sunshine may return on Saturday and Sunday, but another system may come into play early next week.