City Prepares for Rain and Urges Residents to Take Precautions
Published on December 23, 2025
December 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Colby, Public Affairs Manager
Phone: 626-403-7215
Email: jcolby@southpasadenaca.gov
Subject: City of South Pasadena Prepares for Rain and Urges Residents to Take Precautions
South Pasadena, Calif. – With significant rainfall expected to impact Los Angeles County this holiday week, the City of South Pasadena is urging residents to take proactive safety and preparedness steps to protect life and property.
According to the National Weather Service, heavy rain showers and winds are expected from Tuesday, December 23, through at least Saturday, December 27. Certain areas are at risk of flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.
In advance of the storm, City staff have coordinated preparations including inspections and clearing of storm drains and catch basins, monitoring of known low-lying or flood-prone areas, and readiness to respond to localized flooding, downed tree limbs, debris, or traffic hazards. Emergency response and field crews will be staffed and on call throughout the event, and City departments will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust operations as needed.
Residents are encouraged to use the following contacts for storm-related concerns:
- Emergencies or immediate safety issues (e.g., flooding inside a home, downed power lines, blocked roadways creating a hazard): call 9-1-1.
- Non-emergency issues such as clogged storm drains, localized street flooding, fallen branches, non-functioning traffic lights, or other public infrastructure concerns: contact the Non-Emergency Police Dispatch at (626) 403-7297, who will route the request to the appropriate department.
- Residents may also submit non-urgent concerns through the City’s regular service request channels during normal business hours.
Additional steps that residents can take:
- Sandbags: Self-serve sand and sandbags are available to residents at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course, located at 1055 Lohman Lane, while supplies last.
- Emergency Go Bags: Ensure your emergency go bag is stocked with essentials, including flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and medications, and important documents. For more information, visit Ready.gov/Kit.
- Use caution when traveling on roadways. If travel is necessary, drive slowly with your vehicle’s headlights on. Never drive through water-covered roadways--even a few inches of standing water can hide hazards or sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Protect your home and property. Clear gutters and drains, secure outdoor items, and keep important belongings elevated in areas prone to water intrusion. Residents are encouraged to use the self-serve sandbag station at the Arroyo Seco Golf Course.
- Prepare for power outages. Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, and non-perishable food. Keep generators dry and protected from rain. If you see downed power lines, keep your distance and call 9-1-1.
- Sign up for emergency notifications. Visit bit.ly/SouthPasPrepared to sign up for the City’s emergency alert system, Connect South Pasadena. Nixle is the primary notification system for the South Pasadena Police Department; register at Nixle.com. Check official emergency channels and websites for the latest information before traveling.
Precautions During the Holiday Season:
- Outdoor holiday decorations should be unplugged during rainy and windy conditions. Check cords for fraying which can cause electrical issues and/or fires. Ensure that decorations are secured to prevent them from becoming loose or blowing away from wind gusts.
- Never leave candles burning unattended and keep them at least 12 inches from anything that can burn—especially Christmas trees.
- If you have a live tree, keep it well-watered and place it at least 3 feet away from heat sources. Always blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
About the City of South Pasadena
The City of South Pasadena is a charming community, situated only six miles from downtown Los Angeles. Called the City of Trees, the area is known for its stunning homes, unique small businesses, and top-quality schools. South Pasadena’s diverse population of about 25,000 occupies a mere 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. This small-town atmosphere makes South Pasadena one of California's most desirable locations.
For more information about the City of South Pasadena, visit www.southpasadenaca.gov. Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news: YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram at @southpasadenaca.
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