The rain is back. The clouds may have parted just enough to allow Santa and his reindeer to fly through the skies safely this holiday season in Downtown Los Angeles but the day after Christmas has taken a historic turn as a powerful atmospheric river continues to drench the city, officially making this the wettest Christmas season for the area since 1971. While the most intense rainfall from this week’s brutal storm system is beginning to taper off this Friday morning, the National Weather Service has kept a Flood Advisory in place for Central Los Angeles. Heavy runoff from the record-breaking downpours is still posing a significant threat to low-lying areas, with specific concern for urban streets and underpasses that have already seen standing water and debris.
Local residents and business owners throughout the Historic Core and the Financial District are navigating a landscape transformed by the deluge, which has far surpassed the typical December averages in just a matter of days. The saturation of the ground means that even the lighter showers expected through the remainder of Friday could trigger immediate runoff and localized flooding. Commuters should exercise extreme caution, particularly around common trouble spots like the 4th Street overpass and Broadway, where drainage systems are working at maximum capacity to keep up with the flow.
Amidst the gray skies and rising waters, there is a silver lining for those needing to move through the city safely. To encourage drivers to stay off the slick and potentially dangerous roads, LA Metro is continuing its support for the community with its fareless initiative. Following the free rides provided on Christmas Eve, the agency is preparing to offer free service again on all bus and rail lines for New Year’s Eve. This annual tradition will start at 4:00 AM on December 31 and run through 3:00 AM on New Year’s Day, providing a stress-free and secure way for the neighborhood to celebrate the arrival of 2026 without the risks of holiday traffic or storm-slicked streets.
As DTLA Weekly continues to monitor the impact of this “Big One” atmospheric river on our local infrastructure and hospitality sectors, we urge everyone to stay informed and prioritize safety. The current flood watch remains a reminder of the power of our local environment and the resilience of the downtown community during these extreme weather events.
