• Strong atmospheric river brings heavy rainfall and flooding across Southern California over Christmas

    ByRishav Kothari

    A major atmospheric river swept across Southern California from late December 24, 2025, into Christmas Day, December 25, triggering widespread flash floods, evacuations, debris flows, and power outages. Multiple counties including Los Angeles and Ventura were put under a State of Emergency. Rainfall totals reached 75–150 mm (3–6 inches) in coastal and valley areas, with up to 250 mm (10 inches) in higher terrain of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid travel.

  • Mass Velella stranding covers beaches in Ventura County, California

    ByReet Kaur

    Thousands of Velella velella, also known as by-the-wind sailors, washed ashore on beaches in Ventura County, California, from late April to early May 2025. The mass stranding, driven by onshore winds and warm ocean conditions, reflects seasonal oceanographic changes along the California coast.