An intense and dangerous storm will move into Southern California this weekend, bringing with it the potential for widespread flooding, mudslides and debris flows.
Officials urge caution during the most dangerous periods of the storm on Sunday and Monday.
National Weather Service says atmospheric river flooding could be “it endangers life.”
“This will probably be ranked as our largest storm this winter so far,” said Emily Montanez, associate director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “Take your individual precautions, but also if people can telework and put those plans in place so that we have an easier commute on Monday morning, that's what we're really encouraging.”
The forecast
Weather officials expect 3 to 6 inches of rain across Southern California, particularly in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, which are expected to experience some of the worst flooding.
“Los Angeles could see between a third and half of the average annual precipitation from this single storm,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA. “It looks like it may rain continuously in Los Angeles County from about Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning. … It may not be extremely intense all the time, but it will be a fairly long-lasting rain event.”
In addition to rain, “strong surf and large waves” could contribute to coastal flooding, according to Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. And if the strong waves aren't enough, the “life-threatening rip currents” should keep everyone out of the water.
The storm's effects will be felt across the state, with forecasts showing more than 3 inches of rain is possible from the Mexican border to the Bay Area Sunday through Tuesday, well above average for everything. the month in many areas.
Timeline
Saturday: Rain will begin in the afternoon in Northern California, primarily along the Coastal Bay Area, before heading south.
Sunday: Heavy rain is expected to begin in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, moving into Ventura and Los Angeles counties. late in the day. Heavy bands of sustained rainfall will create threats of widespread flooding.
Monday: The storm is expected to continue, increasing the danger from sustained rain on already saturated terrain. The highest risk of flooding will be from Sunday night into Monday night.
The heaviest rain will fall in areas east and south of Los Angeles County, with up to 4 inches forecast. in the Inland Empire and Orange County, and closer to 2 or 4 in San Diego County, according to Adam Roser, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Tuesday to Wednesday: Lighter rain is forecast.
Conditions:
Danger zones
Authorities say residents should expect street flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Some evacuations and road closures are expected.
Thunderstorms and heavy rain could cause flash flooding.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services has deployed personnel and resources to many areas in the storm's path, including more than 550 firefighters and 19 swift-water rescue teams in 19 counties, officials said. Two million sandbags have been previously placed across the state.
“As we look ahead to the coming days, we encourage all Californians to take steps now to prepare for the incoming weather,” agency spokesperson Alicia de la Garza said in a statement. video posted on X.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that “California has more than 8,300 boots on the ground as we prepare for this next series of severe storms.” He warned everyone in the path of the storm, especially those in Southern California, to prepare now and follow the instructions of local government officials and first responders.
Santa Barbara County: Authorities are urging residents to stay away from rivers, streams, low-lying flood-prone areas and wildfire scars, which can turn into dangerous mud and debris flows during heavy rains. Beaches, cliffs and harbor areas may experience flooding and coastal erosion, and residents and visitors are advised to stay away.
Los Angeles County: Authorities are closely monitoring the Palos Verdes Peninsula, which suffered a devastating landslide last summer and a landslide on Thursday, as well as Long Beach and areas along the San Gabriel Mountains, Montanez said.
“We are always monitoring that area, especially with recent burn scars like in Duarte, with the Fish fire,” Montanez said. “In areas with burn scars, within three years after the fire, there is always the possibility of mud and debris flowing.”
The county Department of Public Works is working to clear storm drains and flood control channels in preparation for an influx of water, he said. The agency is expected to issue graduated warnings for areas in the storm's path. That may include possible evacuation notices in Duarte, Azusa, the Santa Clarita Valley and other risk areas.
He added that the county is positioning Sheriff's Department officials in case door-to-door evacuation notices are warranted, as well as emergency response personnel and firefighters. The county is also preparing an outreach team for homeless populations, she said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to monitor the storm and heed severe weather warnings.
“We know the serious impact that weather can have on our communities and we are ensuring that Los Angeles is prepared on behalf of our residents, including homeless Angelenos living on our streets, to weather this storm,” he said.
