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Rare Tornado Threat Looms Over Los Angeles as Severe Storms Pummel Southern California
14 Oct
Summary
- First severe thunderstorm watch for Los Angeles since 2008
- Storms bring heavy rain, snow, and risk of tornadoes
- Evacuations ordered due to threat of mudslides and rockslides
On October 14, 2025, a powerful Pacific storm system brought severe weather to Southern California, triggering a rare severe thunderstorm watch for Los Angeles. This was the first time since January 2008 that such an alert had been issued for the region.
The storm system was responsible for heavy rain, snowfall, and the potential for tornadoes. In the Sierra Nevada mountain range, snowfall totals were forecast to exceed 3 feet, which is highly unusual for this early in the season. The severe thunderstorms also posed a significant threat, with the National Weather Service warning of the possibility of waterspouts and tornadoes.
In response to the severe weather, evacuations were ordered for more than 100 homes near recent wildfire burn scars, as the heavy rain increased the risk of dangerous mudslides and rockslides. The evacuation orders were expected to remain in place through the following morning.
Despite the rare nature of the severe thunderstorm watch for Los Angeles, the National Weather Service meteorologists were closely monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public. The severe thunderstorm watch remained in effect until 11 a.m. local time, though there was a chance it could be extended further.
