California is currently facing a major weather event driven by a powerful atmospheric river storm known as the โPineapple Express,โ bringing intense rain, flood risks, and evacuation warnings across Southern California โ especially around Los Angeles and surrounding counties. Hereโs a comprehensive breakdown of what it is, where the risks are greatest, evacuation guidance, timeline details, and how residents can stay safe. ABC7 Los Angeles+1
What Is the Pineapple Express?
The โPineapple Expressโ isnโt a hurricane โ itโs a type of atmospheric river, a long, narrow plume of moisture that travels from the tropical Pacific near Hawaii straight toward the West Coast of the U.S. These systems can carry huge volumes of water vapor and unleash heavy rain when they make landfall. WUSF
Pineapple Express Atmospheric rivers, including the Pineapple Express, are a major component of Californiaโs winter weather and can be both beneficial for water supplies or dangerous when rainfall is excessive or falls rapidly.
Storm Timeline & Expected Impacts
December 23, 2025 โ Tuesday
- The Pineapple Express began reaching Southern California in the afternoon and evening, with rain starting to intensify across Los Angeles County and adjacent regions. ABC7 Los Angeles
December 24, 2025 โ Christmas Eve
- The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Wednesday, with rain rates possibly exceeding one inch per hour. This increases flash flood danger in both urban areas and burn-scarred hillsides. FOX 11 Los Angel
- Flood watches and flash flood warnings are in effect, meaning conditions could become severe in a short period, and travel disruptions are likely.
December 25, 2025 โ Christmas Day
- Moderate to heavy showers could continue through Christmas, contributing to cumulative rainfall totals that may rank among the wettest Christmas periods on record for parts of Southern California. The Guardian
Late December into Weekend
- The storm pattern may still leave lingering wet weather or secondary bands, but the main storm system generally weakens after Christmas Day.
Flooding & Evacuation Warnings
Flash Flood Risk
The National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency management offices have upgraded parts of Southern California to a โhigh riskโ for flash flooding, especially on Christmas Eve in areas including:
- North of Los Angeles
- Burbank
- Altadena
- Santa Clarita
- Ventura County hills
This risk is due to heavy rainfall rates and saturated ground conditions that can overwhelm drainage systems. Reddit
Evacuation Warnings & Orders
Local authorities have issued evacuation warnings for specific regions, particularly in areas with loose soil from recent wildfire burn scars, where heavy rain can trigger dangerous debris flows and mudslides:
- Evacuation warnings are in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday in the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst burn-scar zones of Los Angeles County.
- Officials have been distributing sandbags and advising residents in high-risk zones to prepare to relocate if conditions deteriorate. ABC7 Los Angeles
- Some local authorities may issue mandatory evacuation orders if flooding or debris flow risks reach critical levels in specific neighborhoods โ meaning residents must leave immediately when directed. (Check local emergency alert systems for your exact location.)
For official, real-time evacuation zone maps and alerts, visit your city or county emergency management website or the Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center page.
(National Weather Service flood watches & warnings can be found at weather.gov.)
Areas Most Affected
The areas seeing the highest risk and warnings include:
- Los Angeles County โ urban flooding risk high, especially near storm drains and low-lying areas. ABC7 Los Angeles
- Burn scar regions (e.g., Palisades, Sunset, Hurst) โ with evacuation warnings in effect.
- Ventura & Riverside counties โ prone to runoff and debris flows.
- San Bernardino & Orange counties โ flood watches and heavy rain impacts possible.
Tips for Residents: How to Stay Safe
- Monitor official alerts โ keep NOAA Weather Radio or your phone alerts turned on.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads โ just 6 inches of moving water can knock over a small vehicle.
- Have an evacuation plan โ know where youโll go if authorities issue a mandatory evacuation for your area.
- Prepare an emergency kit โ including food, water, medications, flashlight, and important documents.
- Check flood insurance status โ most policies donโt cover floods unless you have separate flood coverage.
For official updates and local evacuation info, bookmark these pages:
- National Weather Service (weather.gov)
- Los Angeles County Emergency Operations Center
- California Office of Emergency Services
The Pineapple Express atmospheric river is more than just heavy rain โ it brings real risk of flash floods, travel disruptions, mudslides, and evacuation warnings for specific high-risk zones across California. Understanding the timeline and official alerts is key to protecting life and property as the storm progresses through Christmas week.
Stay safe, stay informed, and check official weather sources regularly for updates & Viral Kidda Updates
