This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Major rainfall now expected for this week. Brace for road and airport delays
Heavy rain in Marina Del Rey a few years back.
(
Suzanne Levy
/
LAist
)
Topline:
The National Weather Service is now forecasting major rainfall for the week of Christmas in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Storm duration: The heaviest rain is expected to arrive late Tuesday night into Wednesday day. Less intense rain is expected to stick around through Christmas until Saturday, according to the weather service. Peak rainfall rate during the most intense period could reach 1.25 inches an hour.
Rainfall total from the storm arriving Christmas week, according to the National Weather Service on Saturday.
(
Courtesy National Weather Service
)
How much rain? In all, about 4 to 8 inches of rain is expected for the coast and valleys in L.A. and Ventura counties from the storm, and between 6 to 12 inches for the foothills and mountains.
Impact: The National Weather Service said on Sunday the region could see significant and damaging mudslides and rock slides, as well as flooded freeways and closures. Road and airport delays are likely in store.
Winds: Damaging winds are also in the forecast, particularly between Tuesday night and Wednesday in the mountains and foothills, potentially resulting in downed trees and power outages.
Updated December 21, 2025 at 1:33 PM PST
The story was updated with new information from the National Weather Service on Sunday.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
