Southern California Faces Rare October Storm Amid Wildfire Risks

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:11:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A powerful October storm is sweeping through Southern California, prompting evacuations in areas still recovering from recent wildfires. Officials prepare for potential mudslides and severe weather impacts.

Southern California is bracing for a rare October storm set to bring heavy rain, high winds, and potential mudslides to areas already scarred by wildfires. The National Weather Service issues warnings as evacuation orders affect approximately 115 homes in the Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon neighborhoods. Officials remain on alert as the storm poses challenges unpredictable weather, leading to concerns for residents and infrastructure.

Southern California is preparing for a rare October storm that could bring heavy rain and high winds, raising concerns for areas still recovering from recent wildfires. Evacuations have been ordered in parts of Los Angeles, particularly in neighborhoods that experienced devastating fires earlier this year.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the city's readiness during a news conference, stating that rescue teams and helicopters are on standby. The storm could bring as much as four inches of rain in some areas, which is particularly hazardous for locations where wildfires have stripped hillsides of vegetation, increasing the risk of mudslides.

The evacuations affect around 115 homes in Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon, where a massive inferno in January led to significant loss of life and property. As of Monday night, more than 16,000 residents were without power as the storm rolled in. Bass and other officials cautioned residents to stay vigilant and indoors as severe weather was expected to peak early Tuesday.

Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, highlighted the unpredictability of the storm system, noting that it might even produce tornadoes in certain areas. Heavy rains that began falling Monday evening have already resulted in urban flooding in Northern California.

Concerns are high for post-fire debris flows, particularly in light of devastating incidents in the past, such as the 2018 Montecito mudslides that caused multiple fatalities and widespread destruction.

In preparation, officials have been conducting patrols and closing parts of key roadways to safeguard against storm impacts. With worsening weather conditions expected, the situation remains critical as officials urge the public to follow safety directives.

The nation faces a series of natural calamities, as Typhoon Halong has also wreaked havoc in Alaska, leading to casualties, extensive damage, and evacuations. A microburst in Tempe, Arizona, further illustrates the widespread threat posed by severe weather across the country.