Wrightwood residents were urged to remain in their homes on Wednesday, Dec. 24, as a powerful storm unleashed floodwaters and mudslides that threatened to overwhelm the San Gabriel Mountains community.
Some residents had no choice but to stay put. Video posted on X by the San Bernardino County Fire Department showed runoff roaring past homes.
“Due to mud and debris flow in the area, the community of Wrightwood is advised to shelter in place,” said a Sheriff’s Department post on X. “Avoid unnecessary travel. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas. For emergencies, dial 911. Stay safe and remain alert for updates.”
For those who evacuated, a shelter for people and animals opened at the Victorville Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St, Victorville, CA 92395.
Firefighters on Wednesday rescued some of those residents, as well as motorists who were stopped in their tracks by mudflows and fast-moving water that made Highway 2 impassable.
It was unclear how many people were affected or whether they were in any immediate danger. There were no immediate reports of injuries requiring hospitalization, said Chris Prater, a Fire Department spokesman.
Highway 2 was closed from 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch to Highway 138 in San Bernardino County, the Caltrans website said.
The incident commander requested four-wheel-drive fire engines, swift-water rescue crews, bulldozers, hand crews and urban search-and-rescue teams, Prater said.
The Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation warning for the area and posted a map of evacuation advisories on its website.
WRIGHTWOOD INCIDENT UPDATE:
San Bernardino County Fire remains in command of the Wrightwood Incident as ongoing rain continues to worsen mud and debris flows and flooding. The primary focus remains life safety. Crews are conducting door-to-door checks in impacted areas and… pic.twitter.com/mt44YKLZFi
— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) December 24, 2025
Prater encouraged travelers and residents not to drive through moving water and to sign up for alerts at the website prepare.sbcounty.gov.
Moderate to heavy rain will increase the risk of flash flooding and localized flooding, the National Weather Service said. Heavy rain is expected to decrease in intensity on Wednesday night, leaving scattered showers on Christmas Day before a new band of showers arrives, producing rain Thursday night into Friday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties because of the storm, which is expected to last several days. The action allows state resources to be mobilized and authorizes Caltrans to seek federal assistance for repairs to damaged roads and highways.
