Severe Storms Expected to Drench Southern California This Week
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Southern California is bracing for a pair of cold storms predicted to hit the region this week, bringing significant rainfall and the potential for hazardous conditions in recent burn areas.
The first storm is set to arrive on Monday evening, delivering gusty winds and periods of rain. According to the National Weather Service, a potent atmospheric river is expected to follow, hitting the area early Wednesday and persisting through Thursday.
Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, emphasized, “It’s unlikely any area is going to be spared from the moderate to heavy rain.” The forecast indicates that valleys could receive between 1 to 2 inches of rain, while higher elevations might see totals of 2 to 4 inches.
Officials are preparing for possible flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly those near recent burn scars, where flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides are a concern. A flood watch alert is expected to be in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday.
“We’re feeling comfortable about the amount of debris that we’ve taken and our capacity to capture debris flows based on the rainfall prediction,” stated Mark Pestrella, director of the Los Angeles County Public Works. “We’re in communication with the sheriff’s and fire departments to coordinate potential evacuations where necessary.”
Coastal and valley communities can brace for 1 to 2 inches of rain, with elevated chances of thunderstorms and brief heavy downpours. Winds may gust between 30 to 50 mph, increasing the risk of downed tree branches and power outages.
Mountain areas are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, along with snowfall at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet, potentially dropping to 2,500 feet by Thursday. In higher elevations, the Sierra Nevada region is anticipated to face heavy snowfall and severe winds.
Motorists should prepare for potentially dangerous travel conditions across affected areas, including possible delays due to rain, mountain snow, and gusty winds. The National Weather Service has advised all drivers to exercise caution during this storm.
The impending storms will follow a series of wet weather systems that began earlier in March, delivering beneficial moisture after a dry spell in Southern California to start the winter season. However, the region remains below average in rainfall accumulation.
As of 5 a.m. Thursday, downtown Los Angeles has recorded just 6.11 inches of rainfall since October 1, below the normal average of 11.27 inches for this time of year. Meteorologists caution that although recent storms have helped, more rain is required to alleviate the drought conditions.
“These rains certainly help,” Lewis remarked. “It’s not bringing those high totals, but it’s still kind of dampening the fuels and hopefully giving us enough moisture to stay clear of the fire season for longer.”
As Southern California prepares for another bout of stormy weather, officials urge residents to stay informed and be prepared for potential emergency situations due to the predicted heavy rainfall and winds.
