Beverly Hills braces for powerful Christmas storm

A powerful Christmas-week storm is on track to deliver some of the heaviest rain Southern California has seen in years, with forecasters warning that the slow-moving system could test drainage, flood control infrastructure and hillside stability across Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills.

The storm, driven by a strong atmospheric river often referred to as a Pineapple Express, is expected to arrive Tuesday and persist through the end of the week. Meteorologists say the duration of the rainfall, rather than a single intense burst, poses the greatest risk. Forecasts call for several consecutive days of precipitation, strong winds and periods of heavy downpours that could overwhelm urban drainage systems.

For Beverly Hills, the concern is familiar. The city sits at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains and has repeatedly seen runoff funnel into residential streets during prolonged rain events. Just weeks ago, a late-season storm delivered enough rain to flood intersections and send debris into storm drains, prompting city crews to clear culverts and monitor hillside areas.

This week’s system is expected to be stronger. Rainfall totals across Los Angeles County are projected to reach several inches, with higher amounts possible in foothill and mountain areas north of the city. Even moderate totals can create problems when rain falls steadily over multiple days, saturating soil and increasing the risk of localized flooding and debris flows.

Historically, Christmas storms have played an outsized role in Southern California’s flood history. Downtown Los Angeles has not recorded more than two inches of rain over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day since the early 1970s, according to weather records. Earlier events, including major mid-winter storms in the 2000s, caused widespread street flooding, mudslides and road closures throughout the region.

City officials in Beverly Hills have in recent weeks emphasized basic storm preparedness, urging residents to clear gutters and storm drains near their homes, secure outdoor furniture ahead of high winds, and avoid driving through standing water. Emergency planners have also encouraged residents to review family emergency plans and stay alert for updated advisories as conditions change.

Wind is expected to be a factor as well, with gusts strong enough to down tree limbs and power lines, particularly in exposed hillside neighborhoods. Combined with saturated ground, those conditions can lead to fallen trees and blocked roads, complicating holiday travel and emergency response.

While Southern California depends on winter storms to replenish reservoirs, officials caution that this system’s intensity and timing warrant extra care. With millions traveling for the holidays and many neighborhoods already dealing with saturated soil from earlier storms, even routine rain can quickly turn disruptive.

Forecasters say conditions will remain unsettled through the end of the week, and residents are advised to monitor updates closely. As Christmas approaches, the message from weather officials and local agencies is consistent: prepare early, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, and take warnings seriously. For a region accustomed to sunshine, the coming days are expected to be a sharp reminder of how quickly winter weather can reshape Southern California.