Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Evacuation Warning Issued for Pasadena–Altadena Foothills Ahead of New Year’s Eve Storm

Los Angeles County officials issued an Evacuation Warning at midday Tuesday for residents living in and below the Eaton Fire burn scar in the Pasadena and Altadena foothills, urging households to prepare for possible evacuation as a new storm approaches already saturated ground.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced the warning at about 12 p.m., stating it will take effect Wednesday at 11 a.m. The directive applies to neighborhoods in the San Gabriel Foothills near Altadena, an area severely damaged during the Eaton Fire earlier this year.

“Evacuation Warning for EATON FIRE burn scar area starting Wednesday December 31 11am due to possible mud or debris flows,” the Sheriff’s Department said in an Alert LA County message. “GET SET for possible evacuations… Those who need more time evacuating should consider leaving now.”

County and federal forecasters said the incoming New Year’s Eve storm is expected to fall on ground left highly saturated by last week’s atmospheric river. The National Weather Service warned that the soil has “minimal capacity” to absorb additional rainfall, increasing the likelihood of debris flows, landslides and flash flooding. Meteorologist Ariel Cohen said the storm will “almost certainly” produce rockslides, mudslides and severe urban flooding.

Residents are urged to prepare “Go Bags,” gather pets, and monitor Alert LA County and Genasys Protect for any escalation from a warning to a mandatory evacuation order.