Torrential rains drenched Southern California on Wednesday, unleashing widespread flash flooding as authorities urged motorists to stay off roads and residents living downslope of wildfire-scarred foothills and canyons to evacuate.

Officials in Los Angeles are warning people about the imminent potential for life-threatening flooding Wednesday, asking people to stay aware as they celebrate Christmas Eve. The National Weather Service has issued the highest flash flood risk for parts of Los Angeles,

On Friday at 3:38 a.m. the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA released a flash flood warning in effect until noon for Los Angeles.

LA hit by severe rainstorms; Flood Watch issued across multiple counties, including potential flooding and travel disruptions.

On Wednesday, Caltrans alerted drivers that a stretch of the 5 freeway, both north and southbound lanes near Lankershim Boulevard, closed due to flooding and mud. Just after 6 p.m., several southbound lanes reopened while generators continued pumping out water for hours.