FloodZoneMap.org

Flash Flood — Los Angeles, CA

Jan 9, 2005

A powerful Pacific storm brought heavy rain, snow, flash flooding, high winds and landslides to Central and Southern California. During the 5 day event, rainfall totals ranged from 3 to 10 inches over coastal areas with up to 32 inches in the mountains. With such copious rainfall, flash flooding was a serious problem across Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In Santa Barbara county, flash flooding and mudslides closed Gibraltar Road at Mt. Calvary Road, stranding several vehicles,

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 5439119). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Los Angeles, CA

This event is one of many recorded floods in Los Angeles County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View Los Angeles County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flash Flood3 deaths

Los Angeles, CA · Feb 23, 1998

The final...and deadliest...storm of the month struck Central and Southern California. Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 4 inches over the coast with up to 14 inches in the mountains. Widespread urban and small stream flooding was reported.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood1 death

Los Angeles, CA · Feb 7, 1998

The third storm of the month brought more weather-related problems to Central and Southern California. Strong winds, gusting up to 70 mph, knocked down many trees and power lines. In Encino, the winds blew down Lang Oak, a one thousand year-old oak tree.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood1 death

Los Angeles, CA · Feb 6, 1998

The second storm of the month struck Central and Southern California. Once again, strong winds, gustingup to 70 mph, knocked down many trees and power lines. Rainfall totals ranged from 1 to 3 inches overcoastal areas, up to 6 inches in the mountains.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood1 death

Los Angeles, CA · Oct 20, 2004

A powerful early-season storm brought heavy rain and flash flooding to Central and Southern California. The storm dumped 1 to 4 inches of rainfall across coast and valley locations and between 6 and 12 inches of rain in the mountains.

Read the full account →