Torrential rain leaves Los Angeles freeway underwater
Wednesday’s heavy downpours from the atmospheric river caused widespread street flooding in the Los Angeles metro, including a complete closure of the 5 Freeway.
Video shared on the Citizen app shows the normally busy interstate near Penrose Avenue in the northeastern San Fernando Valley being submerged under several feet of water as of noon.
The typically busy highway was closed on both sides from Penrose Street to Lankershim Boulevard.
Caltrans crews worked to clear water from the highway, according to the California Highway Patrol, and an update at 2 p.m. said the highway would remain closed “until further notice.”
Later in the evening, the CHP said I-5 would remain closed after midnight due to debris remaining on the roadway.
There were no reports of any injuries or drivers trapped in the vehicles.
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On December 24, 2025, the I-5 freeway in Sun Valley was flooded. (Citizen)
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On December 24, 2025, the I-5 freeway in Sun Valley was flooded. (KTLA)
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On December 24, 2025, the I-5 freeway in Sun Valley was flooded. (KTLA)
National Weather Service Four to seven inches of rain are expected to fall on Southern California’s coastal and valley areas by Friday. California Governor Gavin Newsom a state of emergency was declared for the region.
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