BREAKING WEATHER ALERT: Major Storm Targets Whittier; Flash Flooding, Landslides, and Road Hazards Expected

A powerful and unstable Pacific storm is taking aim at Southern California tonight, bringing the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, and dangerous driving conditions throughout the Whittier area and surrounding communities. Forecasts are changing by the hour, but meteorologists warn that local residents should prepare for the worst as this system develops.

A Storm Expected to Stall Over Los Angeles County

The National Weather Service reports that this incoming storm could slow down or stall over parts of Los Angeles County, increasing the amount of rainfall falling over the same areas for extended periods of time. This raises the risk of:

Rapid street flooding

Overflowing storm drains

Hillside failures

Rockslides and mudslides in canyon areas

Dangerous road conditions with reduced visibility

Even modest changes in the storm’s track may result in significantly heavier rainfall over the Whittier region.

Flash Flooding Likely in Low-Lying Areas

Whittier is particularly vulnerable to sudden ponding and fast-forming flood conditions, especially in:

South Whittier

West Whittier–Los Nietos

Low-lying residential pockets east of Painter Avenue

Storm drain choke points in older neighborhoods

Underpasses and dips along major intersections

Rainfall rates could intensify suddenly. If the storm stalls, some neighborhoods may see water rising quickly, overwhelming gutters, streets, and intersections.

Turnbull Canyon: High Risk for Landslides and Falling Rock

Residents are strongly urged to avoid Turnbull Canyon Road for the duration of the storm event. Heavy rainfall saturates canyon slopes rapidly, making the area prone to:

Rockslides

Mudslides

Debris flows

Sudden slope failures without warning

Turnbull Canyon is historically one of the Whittier area’s most vulnerable roads during multi-hour storms. Even small slides can block the narrow roadway, trapping vehicles or causing collisions.

Motorists who normally use Turnbull Canyon between Whittier and Hacienda Heights should use alternative routes such as:

Colima Road

Harbor Boulevard

Fullerton Road / Pathfinder Road

Puente Avenue

Travel Advisory: Stay Off the Roads Unless Absolutely Necessary

Whittier 360 advises all residents to avoid driving tonight and throughout the storm unless travel is absolutely essential. Hazards may develop faster than drivers can react, including:

Flash flooding at intersections

Hydroplaning on major boulevards

Falling branches and debris

Poor visibility during downpours

Sudden mud or rock movement in hilly areas

If you must drive, reduce speed, increase following distance, and never attempt to cross standing water.

Forecast is Changing Hour by Hour

This storm system is complex and unstable, and its behavior is evolving rapidly. Weather models continue to shift, with multiple forecasts showing that the most intense impacts may occur late tonight through early Friday, with additional rainfall possible Saturday if the storm circulation loops back toward the coast.

Because conditions can change quickly, Whittier 360 urges all residents to stay alert and monitor updates frequently throughout the night.

Prepare for the Worst: What Residents Should Do Now

Residents across the Whittier area—including Whittier, South Whittier, North Whittier, West Whittier–Los Nietos, La Mirada, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera, Avocado Heights, and Hacienda Heights—should begin preparing immediately by:

Clearing leaf buildup from gutters and storm drains

Moving vehicles away from flood-prone curbs or dips

Securing loose outdoor items

Keeping phones fully charged

Making sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled

Having flashlights and backup batteries ready

Planning alternate routes away from canyons and low-lying streets

If you live near a hillside or canyon, pay close attention to shifting ground, soil cracks, falling rocks, unusual noises, or water channeling where it normally doesn’t flow. These warning signs may precede a landslide.

Whittier 360 Will Provide Real-Time Updates

Whittier 360 News Network will continue to monitor:

National Weather Service alerts

Flash flood warnings

Road closures

Traffic hazards

Mudslide reports

Emergency advisories from local agencies

Update 11/13/25 1219 pm

City of Whittier Offering Sandbags November 13–14

As the region prepares for several days of potentially heavy rain, the City of Whittier is distributing free sandbags to help residents protect their property from flooding.

📍 City Yard Gate — 12016 Hadley Street

📅 Thursday & Friday, November 13–14

⏰ 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Proof of Whittier residency is required.

Public Works staff will be on-site to assist with distribution.

Residents living in unincorporated Whittier — including parts of South Whittier, West Whittier–Los Nietos, and Avocado Heights — may obtain sandbags through Los Angeles County. Locations can be found here:

➡️ pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/

Why Sandbags Matter for This Storm

With forecasts now indicating a multi-day storm system capable of producing repeated rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall, sandbags can help prevent:

Water intrusion into garages, basements, or ground-level rooms

Flooding of driveways and walkways

Runoff from pooling around foundations

Mud and debris from entering sloped properties

Conditions may worsen if the storm stalls over Los Angeles County, increasing the likelihood of street flooding and overwhelmed storm drains.

Live updates will be posted on our social media channels and on the Whittier 360 website as this dangerous storm unfolds.