UPDATE: San Bernardino County firefighters are conducting urgent rescue operations for motorists and residents stranded in the Wrightwood area due to severe mudflows and swift-moving water that have rendered Highway 2 impassable. The situation escalated early Wednesday morning, December 24, 2025, as calls flooded in from residents unable to leave their homes.
Authorities report no immediate injuries requiring hospitalization, but concerns are rising as evacuation warnings have been issued. Fire Department spokesman Chris Prater confirmed that the number of affected individuals is currently unknown, adding to the urgency of the response efforts.
Highway 2 has been officially closed from 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch to Highway 138, according to Caltrans. The incident commander has requested additional resources, including four-wheel-drive fire engines, swift-water rescue crews, bulldozers, and urban search-and-rescue teams, highlighting the severity of the conditions.
“Crews are assisting with evacuating homes that are being immediately impacted,”
Prater stated, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has posted a map of evacuation advisories on its website and is actively monitoring the unfolding crisis.
As heavy rains continue to batter the region, the National Weather Service warns of increasing risks for flash flooding and localized flooding. Rainfall intensity is expected to diminish by Wednesday night, transitioning into scattered showers on Christmas Day before a new wave of rain arrives Thursday night into Friday.
In response to the storm’s devastation, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. This declaration mobilizes state resources and authorizes Caltrans to seek federal assistance for road repairs.
Residents are urged to stay informed and avoid driving through moving water. For alerts and updates, individuals can sign up at prepare.sbcounty.gov.
As the situation develops, emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of those affected. The community’s resilience is being tested, and the urgency of the response reflects the immediate impact of natural disasters on daily lives. For the latest developments, stay tuned to local news outlets and official channels.
