The forecast for this week's monster California storm just got worse for Orange County, the Inland Empire and mountain communities.
The biggest concern is Monday, when the storm is expected to have its strongest impact.
Orange County, Inland Empire
The National Weather Service is now warning of “locally catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” in those areas, and officials say “the system will stall, causing heavy rain through Monday afternoon.” 5 to 7 inches of rain could flood Anaheim, Irvine and Ontario.
San Clemente and San Bernardino could get 4 to 5 inches of rain, and Riverside and Lake Elsinore could get 3 to 4 inches.
Officials warned that rain in Orange County and western areas of the Inland Empire could be “torrential.”
Rainfall totals have increased in northern areas, where locally catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is expected in Orange County, western parts of the Inland Empire, and the coastal slopes of SBD Mtn ⚠️ #CAwx
Watch our latest video to learn more: pic.twitter.com/Lqzp73gMYe
– NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) February 5, 2024
San Bernardino Mountains
Heavy snowfall could cause power outages and increase the danger of traffic in the mountains. “Heavy, wet snow” is expected Monday night into Tuesday, forecasters said.
Strong winds could be powerful enough to knock down tree branches and make it difficult for high-profile vehicles to drive. There could be gusts of up to 55 mph in the high desert and up to 75 mph in the San Bernardino Mountains.
The largest photograph
The changing forecast came as the storm moved further south, battering Los Angeles County and the heart of Southern California.
The rain forecast for Los Angeles County became more severe on Sunday, with totals generally increasing about 2 inches in some areas. It is now possible that Pasadena could see up to about 10 inches of rain; Northridge, Pomona and Santa Clarita could be hit by about 7 inches; downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach and Westlake Village about 6 inches; and Redondo Beach about 5 inches.
Peak wind gusts could be between 30 and 40 mph in downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena and Pomona; 40 to 50 mph in Northridge and Redondo Beach; and nearly 60 mph in Santa Clarita and Westlake Village.
Authorities urged people to stay off the roads if possible on Monday.
