A rare October storm has roared into California, lashing Los Angeles and surrounding regions with heavy rain, fierce winds, and the looming threat of flash floods and mudslides. The California storm — described by meteorologists as “rare and very potent” — has put communities already scarred by wildfires on edge, forcing evacuations and knocking out power to thousands.

By early Tuesday, the California storm was pummeling neighborhoods from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, flooding roads, disrupting travel, and triggering multiple weather alerts. Officials warned that the combination of burned hillsides, saturated soil, and high winds could turn the storm into a full-blown natural hazard.

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• About 115 homes evacuated in Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon amid mudslide fears.

• Up to 4 inches of rain expected as the California storm intensifies.

• 16,000+ power outages reported across Southern and Central California.

• “Rare and very potent” system could spawn tornadoes, says National Weather Service.

• Los Angeles Fire Department on patrol and Caltrans closing key routes in advance.

• Sierra Nevada snow totals may reach 3 feet, signaling winter’s early arrival.

Los Angeles Braces as Rain Drenches Fire-Scarred Hills

In Los Angeles County, emergency alerts swept across the Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon neighborhoods, ordering residents to evacuate. Both areas were devastated by a massive wildfire in January that killed more than 30 people and destroyed over 17,000 homes and buildings.

“We’re very concerned about the weather,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a late-night press briefing. “Strike teams, rescue teams, and helicopters are all on standby.”

By dawn, the California storm was already producing dangerous driving conditions. Several vehicles hydroplaned on flooded freeways, and multiple accidents were reported. Rainfall totals ranged from less than half an inch in Los Angeles County to nearly 1.5 inches in San Luis Obispo, with forecasters warning that the worst was yet to come.

Meteorologists Warn of Tornadoes and Unpredictable Conditions

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles described the event as a “rare and very potent storm system”, noting that rainfall could exceed 4 inches in certain pockets.

Ariel Cohen, meteorologist-in-charge at the Los Angeles NWS, cautioned residents about the storm’s volatility.

“The nature of this system is such that we cannot be certain about exactly when and where these impacts will strike,”
Cohen explained. “The exact details may not be known until right before they occur.”

Such uncertainty has put emergency crews on high alert. The Los Angeles Fire Department began overnight patrols, while Caltrans announced the closure of State Route 27 near the Pacific Coast Highway as a precaution against falling debris and mudflows.

Fears of Mudslides Rekindle Painful Memories

In Santa Barbara County, flash flood warnings and shelter-in-place orders were issued for regions hit by wildfires last year. Officials fear a repeat of the 2018 Montecito tragedy, where sudden mudslides after heavy rain destroyed hundreds of homes and claimed 23 lives.

Residents across southern California have been urged to remain alert, particularly in hillside communities where the soil has lost its stability after repeated fires. The California storm, experts warn, could trigger post-fire debris flows with little notice.

Power Outages, Airport Delays, and Snow in the Sierra

The California storm has left a trail of disruption statewide. PowerOutage.us reported more than 16,000 outages, mostly across Southern and Central California.

Northern California also faced urban flooding around the San Francisco Bay Area, causing delays at San Francisco International Airport. To the east, the Sierra Nevadas were blanketed in snow, with up to 3 feet expected in mountain areas. The Mammoth Mountain Ski Area confirmed fresh snowfall Tuesday morning, marking an early taste of winter.

Beyond California: Extreme Weather Hits Alaska and Arizona

The weather chaos wasn’t limited to California. Over the weekend, Typhoon Halong battered western Alaska with hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and devastating floods. At least one person was confirmed dead and two were missing, while rescue teams saved over 50 residents, many lifted from rooftops.

In Tempe, Arizona, a sudden microburst thunderstorm dropped half an inch of rain in just ten minutes, toppling trees, ripping roofs off buildings, and cutting power to thousands of homes. The National Weather Service reported extensive structural damage across several neighborhoods.

California Faces a Long and Uncertain Week

While rainfall totals may vary, the National Weather Service warns that the California storm could linger, bringing unpredictable weather patterns through midweek. High winds capable of downing trees and power lines remain a major concern.

Officials are urging residents to prepare for flooding, debris flows, and power outages — especially in areas weakened by wildfires. The storm serves as a stark reminder that California’s weather, once predictable, is increasingly volatile and extreme.

“We’re not taking any chances,” Mayor Bass emphasized. “Our crews are ready — but we need everyone to stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.”

California’s rare October storm has exposed the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather, especially in areas still recovering from wildfires. From flooded streets and power outages to evacuations and mudslide risks, the impact is widespread and unpredictable. Officials continue to urge caution as emergency teams remain on high alert, reminding residents that preparation and vigilance are crucial. The storm is a stark reminder of how California storms can rapidly turn dangerous, affecting lives, homes, and infrastructure.

Stay informed, stay safe, and follow official updates as the California storm continues to unfold.

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