System Could Mark the Rose Parade’s First Rainy New Year’s Day Since 2006.
Los Angeles County residents are being urged to prepare for a wet and potentially hazardous stretch of weather as a multi-day storm system is expected to bring steady rain, localized flooding, and debris-flow risks through New Year’s Day.
Forecasters warned that travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly beginning Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday, advising motorists to avoid roads whenever possible and never attempt to drive through water-covered streets. Officials also cautioned people to stay away from streams, rivers, and canyon areas, particularly those camping or recreating in mountainous regions.
The National Weather Service said the approaching storm is significant but is expected to be at least 50% lighter than the last major rain event to hit the region. Even so, risks remain for mudslides, downed trees, and localized flooding, especially in areas impacted by recent fires.
The city of Los Angeles issued a citywide evacuation warning effective at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday due to the potential for debris flows. The warning applies to multiple high-risk zones, including areas affected by the Hurst Fire, Sunset Fire, and the Mandeville Canyon area. For those in burn scar and hillside areas, LA County advises knowing the warning signs of a pending landslide or debris flow.
Los Angeles Police Department officers are expected to conduct door-to-door visits at high-risk homes should evacuation orders become necessary, officials said.
A full list of affected zones and an interactive map are available at protect.genasys.com. Additional updates and preparedness information are posted at LAFD.org/News.
The storm is also expected to bring rain through New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, potentially disrupting traditional holiday events. If the forecast holds, rain would fall on the Rose Parade in Pasadena for the first time since 2006. The annual floral procession has experienced rain fewer than a dozen times in its 136-year history.
Officials warned that storm drains, flood control channels, arroyos, and other low-lying or sloped areas can quickly fill with fast-moving water and debris during heavy rainfall, creating life-threatening conditions. Being inside a flood control channel at any time is illegal.
Residents are encouraged to monitor real-time weather alerts, sign up for local emergency notifications through NotifyLA, ensure wireless emergency alerts are enabled on mobile devices, and follow updates from NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets.
To help residents prepare, the Los Angeles Fire Department is offering free, ready-to-fill sandbags at all neighborhood fire stations. Select locations also provide free sand when seasonal conditions warrant. Officials noted that while sand is recommended, local soil can also be used to fill sandbags effectively.
The city does not provide assistance with filling, transporting, or installing sandbags. Residents are encouraged to report storm-related issues, including clogged drains, fallen trees, damaged streetlights, or flooded roadways, by calling 3-1-1, using the online form, or using the MyLA311 app.
