Southern California faces an increasingly severe weather forecast for Christmas week, with heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding and mudslides. The Pineapple Express storm could bring 3 to 6 inches of rain across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, with up to 8-10 inches in mountain ranges, risking mudslides and debris flows in burn scars. Downtown Los Angeles has an 80% chance of receiving 2 or more inches of rain from Tuesday through Christmas, a rare event since 1971. The storm's peak is expected Tuesday through Thursday, with rainfall rates reaching half an inch to one inch per hour, particularly in mountains and canyon roads. Wind gusts could exceed 35 mph in some areas, causing downed trees and power outages. Authorities advise residents, especially near hillsides and burn scars, to prepare with sandbags and clear storm drains. This storm marks a major pattern change, with Northern California also experiencing significant rainfall and flood watches, and a separate storm system expected to hit Southern California later in the week. Despite the storm threats, holiday travel is unlikely to be canceled, with record numbers expected during the season.