Winter Storm Warning: Snowstorm Set To Slam Into New York City While Waterlogged Southern California Is Hit With Floods and Mudslides

The final days of 2025 are shaping up to be a tale of two storms, just as millions of Americans prepare to make their postholiday journey home.

An atmospheric river continues to drench Southern California, unleashing heavy rain, mountain snow, and mudslides in areas already scarred by wildfire. Meanwhile, the Northeast is bracing for a winter storm, with a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected to stretch from the Great Lakes to New England.

The National Weather Service has issued storm warnings for both regions, citing dangerous conditions such as flooded roads and debris flows in Southern California, to icy highways and reduced visibility in New York City and beyond. It's poor timing for holiday travelers and for residents who may be away and unable to prepare their homes for what’s coming.

That’s raising the stakes for homeowners and renters alike. From burst pipes to uninsured flood damage, the risks don’t end when the storm passes. Below, we break down what to expect and what to do if your home is in the path of these late-year weather events.

New York City braces for a snowstorm with commute and travel disruption risk

New York City is expected to bear the brunt of the Northeast storm system, with the entire metro area—including parts of New Jersey and Connecticut—under a winter storm warning.

It will start with snowfall as early as 6 p.m. Friday and continue through early Saturday. The National Weather Service is warning of hazardous road conditions and poor visibility that could affect Friday evening commutes and early weekend travel plans.

Forecasts from NBC New York and other local outlets are calling for snow totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches across the city and the surrounding metro area. And after four years of tepid accumulation, this could be the most snow that the city has seen since 2022.

Along with the winter mix, temperatures are expected to drop sharply. It’s good news for sledders—any precipitation will likely remain as snow, not sleet or freezing rain—but bad news for commuters, with slick, icy roads likely to linger into Saturday morning.

Southern California: Flooding, debris flows, and mudslide risk as an atmospheric river lingers

In Southern California, a relentless atmospheric river continues to drench the region, delivering heavy rainfall from coastal cities to mountain communities. The system has already delivered more than a foot of rain in higher elevations and 2 to 3 inches in urban areas in Los Angeles.

As of Christmas night, at least three storm-related fatalities have been confirmed, and officials warn that the number could rise as floodwaters recede and damage assessments continue. 

The threat of mudslides remains elevated as the supersaturated ground leaves little room for the forecast precipitation. In Wrightwood, a mountain town northeast of Los Angeles, the dangerous effects of these conditions were already on display as cars and homes were buried under feet of mud, and residents had to be rescued by helicopter and boat.

Evacuation orders and flood watches remain in effect for parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, with the burn-scarred hillsides the most vulnerable to both flooding and mudslides. The final wave of rain is expected to wrap up by Saturday, but not before dropping several more inches of precipitation on the already saturated ground.

And with the Santa Barbara Airport still shut down due to flooding and many roadways compromised, travel disruptions are likely to extend into the weekend, even as the skies begin to clear.

What these storms mean for homeowners

If you or your home is in the path of this weekend’s storms, start by figuring out what kind of damage you might face and whether your home insurance covers it.

In Southern California, water and mud are the main concerns. Most standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, and debris flows can run into a costly gray area if water and mud penetrate from the outside. In the Northeast, the main risks are more standard problems like roof leaks, ice dams, and burst pipes.

If you or a neighbor can take some simple steps now to prevent damage, do it. In flood-prone areas, that means clearing out drains and gutters and moving valuables off the floor. In snowy areas, it can be as simple as setting your heat at a steady temperature, even if you’re not home. Open cabinet doors under sinks to help keep pipes warm, and watch for signs of ice dams, such as water stains, dripping at the eaves, or icicles where you don’t usually see them.

If your home is damaged, make sure to document everything and contact your insurance company right away. Filing a claim early can help if there’s a backlog.

Think of the days after the storm as part of the event, not just recovery. In California, the risk will likely last even after the rain stops because of unstable slopes and soaked ground. In the Northeast, melting snow can refreeze and create ice, causing hidden leaks that may not appear until after the storm is over.

The goal isn’t just to get through the storm. It’s also to spot any damage early, before it turns into a bigger and more costly problem.