San Bernardino County authorities advised residents from Pine Street north to the Los Angeles County line to be prepared to evacuate and to avoid nonessential travel as Highway 2 and other local roads became treacherous from debris and high water, the county sheriff’s office said in advisories to the public.[1]

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department also issued a community-wide “shelter in place” advisory as crews reported multiple debris flows and significant flooding that made Highway 2 impassable in places, officials said, and firefighters requested additional resources including engines, hand crews, a dozer and a swift-water rescue unit to protect life and property.[1]

Storm impacts and emergency response

The storm system that moved into the region on Thursday dumped heavy rain across areas still vulnerable to debris flows because of recent wildfires and steep terrain, increasing the risk of rapid runoff and mudslides in foothill and mountain communities.[4]

Crews reported reports of homes being impacted by flooding and mud; local residents described water entering houses, with at least one resident reporting about a foot of water inside a home, according to local community leaders and officials on the scene.[1]

Officials emphasized life-safety as the top priority and urged people to stay away from affected areas while emergency responders work to stabilize conditions and conduct rescues where necessary.[1]

Weather outlook and hazards

Forecasters with the National Weather Service warned that conditions around Wrightwood and the San Gabriel Mountains could worsen over the next several hours, with continued heavy rain increasing the potential for additional debris flows and localized flooding.[1]

Across the region, the storm caused power outages, roadway closures and prompted evacuation orders in multiple communities as flash flooding and mudslides created hazardous conditions for motorists and residents alike.[2][3]

Local reaction and preparedness

Janice Quick, president of the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce and a 50-year resident, said community members were deeply concerned about their homes and safety as water and mud moved through neighborhoods and commercial areas.[1]

Local authorities said they had been planning for the storm for several days in coordination with state and local emergency management and fire agencies and had prepositioned resources where possible, though conditions were still evolving and officials continued to request additional assistance as needs emerged.[1]

What residents should do now

• Follow official orders: Obey evacuation warnings and shelter-in-place advisories from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and local public safety officials.[1]
• Avoid travel: Do not attempt to drive on flooded or debris-covered roads; Highway 2 has been reported as impassable in places because of debris flows and flooding.[1]
• Move to higher ground: If you are in a low-lying area or near a burn scar, relocate to higher ground and away from channels that can funnel debris and water.
• Prepare for power outages: Have flashlights, batteries and an emergency kit accessible in case utilities are interrupted.[2][3]

Regional context

Southern California experienced one of its wettest Christmas periods in years as the strong Pacific storm system produced widespread heavy rainfall, leading to multiple emergencies across the region, including rescues, road closures and at least several fatalities reported in broader coverage of the event, prompting local declarations of emergency in some jurisdictions.[2][3]