Rainfall Amounts for Christmas Eve in Los Angeles County
Rainfall in Los Angeles County Precedes Christmas Storm
The first wave of a potentially hazardous atmospheric river storm swept through Los Angeles County on Wednesday, bringing intense downpours that led to flooding and mudflows, particularly in burn scars and low-lying areas. By the evening, rainfall began to taper off as residents prepared for another round expected on Christmas Day.
In Sun Valley, flooding severely impacted traffic, closing all lanes of the 5 Freeway at the Lankershim exit. Crews worked quickly to clear the area, with some lanes reopening by around 5:20 p.m.
While Altadena experienced mud and debris flows on several roadways, regions affected by the recent Palisades Fire largely avoided significant issues. Additionally, emergency responders rescued a group trapped in their vehicle amid floodwaters in Palmdale.
The most intense rainfall occurred during the morning hours, with forecasts predicting more precipitation on Thursday.
Rainfall totals over a 24-hour period from Tuesday to Wednesday were substantial in various areas:
- Saugus: 4.18 inches
- Filmore: 4.10 inches
- Van Nuys: 3.87 inches
- Burbank: 3.45 inches
- Malibu: 3.05 inches
- El Monte: 2.82 inches
- San Dimas Dam: 2.45 inches
- Santa Monica: 2.42 inches
- Hawthorne: 2.04 inches
- Lancaster: 2.22 inches
- LAX: 1.90 inches
- Palmdale: 1.89 inches
- Long Beach: 1.58 inches
As the community braces for additional rainfall, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of further flooding.
