After rain soaked Southern California over Christmas, another storm will hit the region this week, starting on New Year’s Eve.
Rain is expected to arrive after midnight, and anyone heading out for an early morning commute Wednesday should prepare for light conditions.
“If you have to drive tomorrow morning, give yourself plenty of time because it’s going to be wet out there and it’s going to be a slow road,” KTLA meteorologist Vera Jimenez said.
The heaviest precipitation will arrive between New Year’s Eve and the New Year, with 1 to 3 inches expected for the LA basin and 3 to 6 inches in the foothills and mountains, according to the National Weather Service.
High wind warnings and advisories as gusts could reach 30 to 50 mph, enough force to knock down trees and power lines.
A flash flood watch is in effect for most of Southern California until Thursday at 10 p.m. Heavy snowfall is expected for mountain communities and higher elevations.
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A storm is headed for Southern California on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2025. (National Weather Service)
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Historical rainfall data for the Southern California region for New Year’s Day. (National Meteorological Service)
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A pedestrian with an umbrella walks on a bridge over the rain-soaked 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Snow White’s dwarfs wear shades as they watch the float from Disney Parks’ ‘The Most Magical Holiday on Earth’ as it makes its way down Colorado Boulevard during the 117th Annual Rose Parade, Monday, January 2, 2006, in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian
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A crowd gathers in the pouring rain along Colorado Boulevard to watch the 117th Annual Rose Parade, Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, in Pasadena, California. It rained on the Rose Parade for the first time in more than half a century, and hundreds left the floral display before it was over. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 24: Water levels rise in the LA River during heavy rains from the Pineapple Express storm affecting the region during Christmas week in Los Angeles, California on December 24, 2025. (Photo by Grace Hie Yoon/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles River carries an increased flow of stormwater due to atmospheric rivers affecting Northern California, which are expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to the Los Angeles area, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
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A lone dog walker braves the rain in the Encino section of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
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An SUV is buried by a mudslide, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles. A storm of historic proportions unleashed record levels of rain over parts of Los Angeles on Monday, endangering the city’s large homeless population, sending mud and boulders down hillsides dotted with million-dollar homes and knocking out power to more than a million people in California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Tourists from Poland carry umbrellas in front of the Hollywood sign as it rains while visiting the Griffith Observatory on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Because the ground and soil are already saturated from last week’s storm, dangerous mudslides and debris flows are easily activated, especially along areas of wildfire scars.
An evacuation advisory will be in effect Dec. 31 for recent burn scar areas in Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Lidia, Bridge, Kenneth and Canyon fire areas.
Local officials are warning residents of dangerous road conditions, including flooding and scattered debris blocking streets.
Avoid driving if possible, and if travel is unavoidable, do not attempt to cross flooded roads and park your vehicle away from tall trees. Campers should stay away from streams and rivers.
Anyone planning to attend the Rose Parade should expect rainy conditions and prepare accordingly. Pasadena officials encourage campers to bring sleeping bags to keep warm overnight. However, tents, scaffolding or ladders are not permitted.
The last time the Rose Parade had significant rain was in 2006. Organizers said the parade will go on rain or shine.
Rain is expected to continue on and off across the region through Saturday, the NWS said.
Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Office of Emergency Services to position fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk of flooding, mudslides and debris flows.
“California is once again bracing for severe winter weather, and we’re taking every precaution to keep people safe,” Newsom said. “By positioning emergency crews in advance and activating resources in advance, we can respond more quickly and effectively if conditions deteriorate. We urge everyone to stay informed, avoid driving through flooded areas, and take warnings from local officials seriously as these storms pass.”
During the storm, residents should also take the following precautions:
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Bring pets inside during storms to protect them from falling debris
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If you must travel in the mountains, bring snow chains
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Call 911 for life-threatening situations, such as people trapped by floodwater or downed trees and debris flows threatening buildings
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Flooding, downed trees or other significant damage that is not immediately life-threatening can be reported by calling 311 or online at lacity.gov/myla311
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Do not use generators indoors or in garages
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Assume all downed power lines are electrified and dangerous. Avoid contact and call 911 or report power outages to the Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397
Residents in need of sandbags can find a local distribution site here:
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