Credit: Rich Fury, FlickrSix Flags Magic Mountain, the iconic theme park in Santa Clarita, California, has announced it will remain closed on January 26, 2025, due to the ongoing wildfires and extreme weather conditions gripping Southern California. The closure follows a series of suspensions that have occurred over the past few weeks as fires continue to threaten the region.
Southern California Grapples with Devastating Fires and Unrelenting Weather
The situation in Southern California has become dire in recent weeks. The region is grappling with catastrophic wildfires fueled by dry conditions, powerful Santa Ana winds, and low humidity. These fires, which have been ravaging the area since early January, have caused significant loss of life and property damage.
As of the latest reports, at least 27 people have died, with over 200,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes. Tragically, more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, with the devastation continuing to unfold.
While fire crews have made progress in containing some of the flames, others remain out of control, and new fires continue to ignite. One of the largest ongoing fires, the Hughes Fire, started yesterday morning and has already burned through over 10,000 acres. At the time of writing, only 14% of the fire has been contained, and evacuation orders have been issued for many nearby communities.
Regional Theme Parks Feel the Impact
In addition to the destruction caused by the fires, the entire Southern California theme park industry has been disrupted. Universal Studios Hollywood experienced a two-day shutdown, and several other major attractions, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the Griffith Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo, have also temporarily closed their doors to the public.
Disneyland Resort, located farther south in Anaheim, has remained unaffected by the fires so far, but the park’s cast members have not been spared from the wider impact. Many employees have been displaced due to evacuations and have been offered shelter at Disneyland Hotel.
Six Flags Magic Mountain: Affected by Fires and Evacuations
Six Flags Magic Mountain has been forced to close multiple times throughout January due to the worsening conditions. The park was initially closed on January 8 and then again on January 24. While it sits just outside the official evacuation zone, the surrounding area has been heavily impacted by thick smoke, which has raised concerns about the safety of both employees and guests.
Several local residents have shared images showing plumes of smoke hovering over the park, and others have captured footage of the fires creeping closer to the theme park. The park is located near Feedmill Road, which marks the boundary of the evacuation zone. Fire crews are reportedly using the park as a base of operations while they battle the nearby fires.
Six Flags Magic Mountain took to social media to announce the closure, posting on Twitter, “Due to inclement weather, Magic Mountain will not be open today, Sunday, January 26. Tickets purchased for today will be valid any regular operating day through December 31, 2025.”
Due to inclement weather, Magic Mountain will not be open today, Sunday, January 26. Tickets purchased for today will be valid any regular operating day through December 31, 2025. pic.twitter.com/pbu54YNZoE
— Six Flags Magic Mountain (@SFMagicMountain) January 26, 2025
Weather Conditions Worsen with Flood Watch and Snowfall
In addition to the ongoing wildfire crisis, Southern California is now facing severe weather conditions that are expected to worsen over the weekend. A flood watch has been issued for parts of the region, including areas affected by recent fires. The flood watch will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 27, and remain in effect until Monday afternoon.
While much-needed rain will help dampen the wildfires, it also presents a new risk: the potential for mudslides and dangerous debris flows, particularly in areas scarred by the recent fires. The burn scars from the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes fires are most at risk, and authorities have warned of the possibility of significant debris flows.
The National Weather Service has placed a 10% to 20% chance on such events occurring, especially over the burn scars of Los Angeles County.
In addition to the flood watch, a winter storm warning is in effect for the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, where heavy snowfall is expected. Mountain elevations above 6,000 feet could receive up to 14 inches of snow, with gusty winds and low visibility making travel difficult in the affected areas.
What to Expect from the Coming Storm
The rain is expected to start falling around noon on Sunday, with conditions deteriorating further in the afternoon. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated between 4 p.m. Sunday and 4 p.m. Monday, when thunderstorms and torrential downpours could hit the region. The rainfall totals could reach up to 2 inches in some areas, with the possibility of snow and heavy winds in higher elevations.
In the valleys and Inland Empire, residents can expect around ½ to ¾ inch of rain, while areas near the San Gabriel Mountains could see 1 to 2 inches. Along the Grapevine and Cajon Pass, snow accumulation could reach up to 12 inches or more in some areas, leading to hazardous road conditions.
Beaches will also experience cool temperatures and rain, with highs in the upper 50s and low 60s, while desert areas will see temperatures hovering around 47°F with gusty winds. Snow will accumulate in mountain communities, particularly at elevations above 6,000 feet, while lower-elevation areas will face the threat of mudslides.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Reopening Plans
As the situation continues to develop, Six Flags Magic Mountain is tentatively scheduled to reopen on January 27, 2025. However, given the ongoing fire and weather risks, this date could be delayed if conditions worsen. For now, the park is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, so any extended closures would push the park’s reopening even further into the future.
The park has stated that tickets purchased for January 26 will be valid any day through December 31, 2025, offering some reassurance to guests who had planned to visit during this period.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation continues to unfold, with both the wildfires and severe weather expected to affect the region for the foreseeable future.