New storm hitting waterlogged Southern California could cause more flooding and mudslides

Another powerful storm system that could soak the U.S. State of California with its wettest Christmas in years rolled into the region on Thursday (December 25, 2025), potentially causing more flooding and mudslides a day after heavy rain and gusty winds were blamed for at least two deaths.

Forecasters warned the additional rain could increase the risk of debris flows in waterlogged areas scorched by wildfires in January. Those burn scar zones have been stripped of vegetation by fire and are less able to absorb water.

Outside of California, a major storm system was moving toward the Midwest and Northeast and was expected to interfere with travel, according to the National Weather Service.