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Relentless Storm System Drenches Antelope Valley, Triggers Flooding and Travel Hazards

  • Writer: Richard Sykes
    Richard Sykes
  • Dec 26, 2025
  • 3 min read

LANCASTER, CA — A powerful winter storm fueled by a “very dangerous” atmospheric river is pounding the Antelope Valley with heavy rainfall, flooding, and hazardous winds, creating one of the most disruptive weather events the region has seen in years. The system, which began pushing into Southern California earlier this week, is expected to continue through Friday, bringing multiple rounds of intense precipitation and widespread flooding concerns across Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, and surrounding communities.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for all of Los Angeles County, including the Antelope Valley, as rainfall totals climb and saturated ground increases the risk of urban flooding, mudflows, and dangerous driving conditions. Forecast models show 1 to 2 inches of rain falling across the valley floor on Wednesday alone, with additional rainfall expected Thursday and Friday.1


Roadways Flooded, Drivers Stranded

Flooding has already begun to impact major corridors. Low‑lying intersections, rural dirt roads, and underpasses across Lancaster and Palmdale are experiencing significant ponding, with emergency crews responding to stalled vehicles and roadway blockages. In similar conditions elsewhere in the region, vehicles have been swept away by fast‑moving floodwaters, prompting renewed warnings from CHP and NWS officials to avoid flooded roads at all costs.2

“Turn around, don’t drown,” NWS forecasters emphasized as the storm intensified, noting that most flood‑related deaths occur in vehicles.3

Some areas of Southern California are expected to receive over a month’s worth of rain in just a few days.

Storm Intensifies Midweek

Wednesday marks the most severe phase of the storm, with a 100% chance of rain, steady downpours, and the potential for thunderstorms capable of producing brief but intense rainfall bursts. These conditions heighten the risk of:

  • Urban flooding in Lancaster and Palmdale

  • Mud and debris flows along foothill communities

  • Hazardous travel on the 14 Freeway, Sierra Highway, and rural routes

  • Power outages as winds increase and soil loosens around tree roots

By Thursday, another wave of rain is expected to sweep through the region, accompanied by stronger winds reaching 20–30 mph, with higher gusts possible in exposed areas.1

Burn Scar Areas on High Alert

While the Antelope Valley itself has fewer recent burn scars than coastal and foothill regions, the broader Los Angeles County emergency network is on alert. Heavy rainfall across Southern California has already triggered flash flood warnings in areas affected by the Eaton Fire and other recent burn zones, underscoring the storm’s destructive potential.4

Regional Impacts: A Statewide Emergency

The storm is part of a larger system that has prompted a state of emergency across multiple California counties, with widespread flooding, mudslides, and power outages reported from Ventura to San Diego. Some areas of Southern California are expected to receive over a month’s worth of rain in just a few days, according to AccuWeather and NWS projections.5

Local Officials Urge Caution

Lancaster and Palmdale officials are urging residents to stay home if possible, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor local alerts. With holiday travel still underway, authorities warn that conditions can change rapidly, especially at night when flooded roads are harder to detect.

“This is a very strong atmospheric river impacting the area,” NWS meteorologist Rich Thompson said. “People can expect widespread urban flooding. Travel tomorrow and Christmas Day are not good travel days”.6

What Comes Next

Rain is expected to taper to scattered showers by Friday, with clearing skies anticipated heading into the weekend. However, lingering moisture, saturated soil, and gusty winds may continue to pose hazards even after the heaviest rainfall ends.

Residents are encouraged to:

  • Avoid flooded intersections and washes

  • Check road conditions before traveling

  • Keep devices charged in case of outages

  • Follow updates from the NWS and local emergency agencies

As the Antelope Valley weathers this intense storm cycle, emergency crews remain on standby, and officials stress that vigilance is essential until the system fully clears.




Sources:

2Car Swept Away in Flooding in California's Antelope Valley. https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/car-swept-away-flooding-californias-191726856.html

3Stormy Christmas holiday ahead for Southern California. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/12/24/sourthern-california-storms/5051766601622/

 

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