More than 41 million Americans in California, southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona are under a flood watch Wednesday amid a rare, high risk of excessive rainfall and flooding.
This includes large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, California, San Diego and Las Vegas.
Life-threatening flood threat.
ABC News
There is a “high risk of excessive rain” for Los Angeles, including I-10 from San Bernardino to Santa Monica and areas north such as Highway 101 to Thousand Oaks, I-5 to Burbank, Santa Clarita and as far as Pyramid Lake and all of I-210. Traveling on these roads is not recommended as they may be flooded, officials said. According to forecasts, the low-lying neighborhoods in these areas could also be flooded.
Heavy debris flows in San Bernardino County as Highway 2 floods, December 24, 2025 in Wrightwood, California.
San Bernardino County Fire/X
Being under a “high risk” designation is rare. This risk only occurs about 4% of days, accounting for one-third of all flood-related deaths and 80% of all flood-related damage, according to the NWS.
Potential flood impacts include the threat of significant and widespread flooding on urban roads, a high risk of large rock/mudslides, and rapid rises in creeks, streams and rivers that will likely lead to rapid water rescues.
Recent burn scars will risk causing potentially damaging debris flows. These flood impacts will likely cause significant travel delays and road closures during the busy holiday period.
Rain and snow potential.
ABC News
Winds are forecast to blow 40 to 50 mph across the area, which could cause power outages Wednesday, according to forecasts. Storms are also possible.
Heavier rain is expected Wednesday morning and afternoon. Rainfall of 1 inch per hour or more is expected.
At 6 pm or 7 pm PT, the rain will briefly end before more rain arrives overnight.
Additional rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday, and the threat of flooding along with risks of landslides and mudslides will also continue each day.
