Southern California is bracing for record rainfall this Christmas week. The National Weather Service is predicting five straight days of precipitation through the holiday, prompting officials to shut down several canyon roads in Los Angeles County due to the risk of flooding, mudslides, and debris flows.
Holiday travel plans around Malibu and Topanga may need a serious reroute. Several canyon roads are closing ahead of days of heavy rain, with officials warning of dangerous driving conditions, especially in burn scar areas.
Rain is expected to begin Tuesday afternoon, intensify Tuesday night into Wednesday, and continue into the weekend. A flood watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for much of LA County.
🚧The Latest Road Closures on Christmas Eve
Interstate 5 (I-5)
- All lanes closed (northbound):
- At Lankershim Boulevard
- At State Route 118
- Full ramp closure:
- Lankershim Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-5 is closed
- Rest area closure:
- Tejon Pass Rest Area closed near Gorman
U.S. 101
- Lane reduction:
- Left lane closed in both directions between California Street and Seaward Avenue
State Route 27 (Topanga Canyon Boulevard)
- Full road closure (beginning Dec. 23 at 9 p.m.):
- All lanes closed between Grand View Drive and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
🚧 Canyon Road Closures Begin Tuesday Night
Due to the risk of rockslides and flooding, the following roads will close starting Tuesday evening:
Topanga Canyon
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard / State Route 27
- Fully closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday
- Between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive
- No estimated reopening date, but closure is expected to last at least through Friday
Malibu Area
- Malibu Canyon Road
- Soft closure (emergency vehicles only)
- Between Francisco Ranch Road and Adamson Flats Road
- Also closed just south of Piuma Road
- Begins 8 p.m. Tuesday
- Tuna Canyon Road
- Full closure
- Between approximately 2870–3400 Tuna Canyon Road (gate) and Pacific Coast Highway
- Begins 8 p.m. Tuesday
City officials say Malibu Canyon and Tuna Canyon roads will remain closed until rainfall subsides and crews can safely clear debris.
🚗 What’s Staying Open
- Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) will remain open through the Palisades Fire recovery zone (Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace)
- Caltrans crews will be pre-positioned in high-risk areas to respond quickly if debris flows occur
⛈️What to Expect from the Storm
According to forecasters:
- Rainfall ramps up Tuesday night into Christmas Eve on Wednesday, the wettest day of the week
- Hourly rainfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour
- Mud and debris flows are possible in foothill, mountain, and burn scar areas
🚗 Travel Warnings
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to:
- Plan alternate routes
- Avoid driving during heavy rain, especially through canyon roads
- Watch for mud, rocks, standing water, and work crews
- Turn on headlights in the rain
- Come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signal, as required by California law
- Consider taking public transport
Officials also warn that power outages, traffic signal failures, and additional road closures are possible as conditions change.
📲 Stay Updated
Road conditions may shift quickly. Travelers can monitor real-time updates via:
If you don’t absolutely need to drive through the canyons this holiday week, it may be best to stay put and get cozy with a nice cup of hot chocolate.