Atmospheric River Triggers Deadly Floods in California

By Manisha Sahu | America News World
November 16, 2025

An intense atmospheric river—one of the strongest to strike the West Coast this season—swept across Southern California over the weekend, unleashing torrential rains, flash flooding, deadly surf conditions, and widespread disruption across communities still recovering from recent wildfires. The long plume of tropical moisture, which developed over the central Pacific Ocean and stretched for thousands of miles, began soaking Northern California earlier in the week before pushing south and delivering its heaviest blow to Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and parts of the Central Coast.

The National Weather Service (NWS) described the storm as “unusually powerful,” with rainfall rates reaching one inch per hour in several coastal and valley regions—levels high enough to trigger rapid flooding, mudslides, and debris flows in wildfire burn scars. By Saturday morning, forecasters in Los Angeles and Oxnard had issued multiple flash flood warnings, strongly urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Deadly Storm Impacts: Fatalities on Land and Sea

The storm has already turned tragic for several families across the state.
In Northern California, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that a 71-year-old man died after his vehicle was swept off a flooded bridge on Friday. The incident occurred when fast-moving currents overwhelmed the roadway, pulling the vehicle downstream before rescue teams could reach the location.

On the Central Coast, a 5-year-old child was swept into the ocean after being caught by 15-foot waves at a state beach. The massive surf, driven by the storm’s powerful winds, made rescue operations extremely dangerous. Search teams continued combing the coastline into Saturday as weather conditions allowed, though authorities acknowledged the treacherous nature of the evolving surf environment.

Farther south, at least four people died and four others were hospitalized after a wooden boat believed to be transporting migrants capsized off the Southern California coastline. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that stormy seas contributed significantly to the vessel’s overturning. High winds, choppy waves, and reduced visibility complicated rescue efforts, forcing crews to battle challenging conditions to pull survivors from the water.

“This storm has created extremely hazardous marine environments,” a Coast Guard spokesperson said. “Our teams are encountering dangerous swells, strong rip currents, and unpredictable surf.”

Wildfire Burn Scars Face High Flood and Mudslide Risks

One of the most serious concerns during this storm system has been the vulnerability of recent wildfire burn areas. Regions scorched by the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and other Southern California blazes have been placed under mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders due to the heightened threat of debris flows.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a public advisory early Saturday, stating:
“Due to the potential for debris flows, an Evacuation Warning remains in effect within and around all recent burn scar areas, and select vulnerable properties remain under Evacuation Orders.”

Law enforcement personnel have been going door-to-door in high-risk communities, particularly in canyon neighborhoods where steep terrain, loose soil, and charred vegetation could combine with heavy rain to create life-threatening mudslides.

Emergency officials noted that even moderate rainfall poses dangers in burn areas, but the arrival of intense atmospheric river conditions significantly amplifies the likelihood of sudden debris flows. Residents were urged to heed evacuation notices, pack go-bags, and relocate to safer ground until the storm passes.

Coastal Counties Brace for Continued Rains, Snow in Mountains

Santa Barbara County experienced some of the earliest and heaviest impacts, recording over 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rainfall on Friday alone. Several low-lying neighborhoods saw rapid pooling of water, while creeks and storm drains reached near-capacity.

By Friday night and into Saturday, the storm’s center shifted toward the Los Angeles Basin, where waves of moisture dumped rain across coastal cities, foothill communities, and inland valleys. Flood advisories quickly expanded from the Ventura coastline, through Malibu, and into wide sections of Los Angeles County.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada mountains braced for more than a foot of snow, offering a stark contrast to the flooding below. While the snowfall was welcomed by hydrologists for its contribution to California’s water supply, the rapid accumulation has raised concerns about hazardous travel conditions on high-elevation roads.

Atmospheric River’s Path: From Bay Area to the Southland

The storm’s journey began earlier in the week as the atmospheric river hit the San Francisco Bay Area, causing widespread rain, minor flooding, and strong winds. Commuters battled slick roads, power outages, and flight delays.

As the system drifted southward, the weather pattern remained highly energized, drawing warm tropical moisture from near Hawaii and funneling it directly into California. This “Pineapple Express” setup, as some forecasters call it, is known for producing prolonged, intense rainfall when conditions align.

Meteorologists warn that although atmospheric rivers are a natural part of California’s climate, the severity and frequency of these storms appear to be increasing as global temperatures warm. More moisture in the atmosphere means more fuel for extreme rainfall events.

Officials Urge Preparedness as Storm Continues

Emergency management offices across Southern California continued to issue advisories on Saturday, warning residents to avoid driving through flooded streets, stay away from swollen creeks and rivers, and secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong winds.

Authorities emphasized the life-threatening nature of flash floods, reminding the public that just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, while 12 inches can sweep a vehicle away.

The NWS forecasts that heavy rainfall will continue into Sunday in some regions, with lingering showers possible into early next week.

As cleanup efforts begin and search operations continue, Californians are bracing for the possibility of additional storms as the winter season approaches.