Severe Storm to Bring Heavy Rain to Southern California This Week

LOS ANGELES, CA – A significant winter-like storm is expected to arrive in Southern California late Monday night, continuing through Wednesday, bringing with it the potential for heavy rainfall and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the region, particularly targeting areas around recent burn scars from wildfires such as Eaton and Palisades. The advisory warns that heavy rain over these vulnerable areas could lead to hazardous flooding and debris flows.

Richard Thompson, a meteorologist with the weather service, stated that rainfall totals may reach between three-quarters of an inch to 1½ inches across coastal and valley regions, with as much as 3½ inches possible in mountain areas. Severe thunderstorms are also a concern, with risks of damaging winds up to 60 mph, brief tornadoes, and hail.

San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties are expected to be the hardest hit by the storms, while Los Angeles County has about a 20% chance of severe weather. State and local officials are preparing for the storm, anticipating possible mudslides and other impacts.

Governor Gavin Newsom mentioned that resources, including heavy equipment and rescue teams, are pre-positioned in the area to address potential emergencies. Mayor Karen Bass added that city departments are ready to respond as needed.

While October storms are not unheard of, Thompson noted that they are generally infrequent. However, this storm pattern could potentially affect La Niña projections for the upcoming winter, which had previously indicated a drier period.

Despite concerns about an impending drought, forecasters emphasize that a couple of significant storms could change outlooks for the season.