California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across six counties on Christmas Eve as a series of powerful winter storms drenched much of the state, triggering flash flooding, mudslides, debris flows, and water rescues, with forecasters warning that another storm system could make Christmas Day one of the wettest in years for Southern California.

“California is acting early and decisively to do all we can to get ahead of dangerous winter storms,” Newsom said in a statement. “The state has pre-positioned resources, activated emergency authorities, and we are working closely with local partners to protect communities and keep Californians safe.”

As rainfall briefly tapered off in parts of Southern California late Dec. 24, forecasters warned that another round of storms with showers and possible thunderstorms could arrive on Christmas Day, prolonging the risk of flooding and mudslides.

Firefighters also went door to door to check on residents, and authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for the area. An evacuation order was also issued for nearby Lytle Creek after floodwaters washed out the only bridge serving the small mountain community.

Travis Guenther, a Lytle Creek resident, said his family and dozens of neighbors were stranded after roaring waters cut off access to and from the neighborhood.

“Everybody that left to go to work this morning is stuck,” Guenther said. “Half the families are here, and half the families are on the other side of the creek.”

Guenther said residents coordinated supplies locally, with two nurses on his street offering medical assistance if needed.

In Wrightwood, Janice Quick, president of the local chamber of commerce and a resident for 45 years, said a wildfire in 2024 left much of the surrounding terrain bare.

“All this rain is bringing down a lot of debris and a lot of mud from the mountain area,” she said.

Also in Wrightwood, Dillan Brown said that he, his wife, and their 14-month-old daughter were stranded at a rented cabin with little food and only enough diapers for about a day after roads were blocked by rocks and debris. A call for help posted in a local Facebook group prompted area residents to deliver supplies within an hour.

“I think we’re a little sad and upset that we’re not going to be home with our families,” Brown said, but the “kindness shown is definitely an overwhelming feeling.”

Heavy rain prompted evacuation orders near burn scar zones in Orange County and flooding along coastal communities, including Malibu. Several roadways were closed, including a stretch of Interstate 5 near Burbank Airport.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles,” NWS Sacramento said in the alert.

At higher elevations, heavy snow and strong winds created near white-out conditions in parts of the Sierra Nevada, with officials warning of “considerable” avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe. A winter storm warning was in effect through Friday morning.

“Life-threatening” storm conditions were expected to persist through Christmas Day over Southern California, “where widespread flash flooding is underway,” NWS said.

State officials urged residents to avoid flooded roads, heed evacuation orders, monitor official alerts, and prepare emergency supplies as dangerous winter weather continues across California.

“Please continue to heed remaining road closures, and keep in mind that rockslides and mudslides can occur many days after the rain has ended,” it cautioned.