Torrential rainfall sparks mudslides, flooding in Southern California

Heavy rains hit Southern California, prompting flood warnings for millions and causing localized power outages in Los Angeles, while authorities warned of debris flows and flash flooding across multiple counties.

Suheir Sheikh/Reuters

2 January 2026 at 02:02:20

Southern California hit by heavy storms, flash flood warnings issued as thousands lose power.

Reuters

A storm drenched Southern California on Thursday (January 01) , triggering flood warnings for millions and leaving more than 3,000 Los Angeles customers without power, U.S. media reported.

Localized outages were reported in Sherman Oaks, Vermont and Slauson, Highland Park, and Los Feliz, according to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which said its system remained stable overall.

Authorities warned of debris flows and flash flooding as rain continued across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

-Suheir Sheikh

Southern California faces heavy rains and flood warnings as a storm hits, causing power outages for over 3,000 Los Angeles residents and prompting alerts for debris flows and flash floods across multiple counties.