With this week's monster storm expected to hit Los Angeles County directly on Sunday and Monday, officials are urging people to stay off the roads amid concerns about flooding and mudslides.
Sustained heavy rain will make Monday's commute ugly and potentially dangerous, and authorities said people should avoid being on the roads if possible.
“If someone has the opportunity to work remotely on Monday, that's definitely the day to do it,” said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
The forecast worsens for Los Angeles
Predicted rainfall totals for Los Angeles County worsened on Sunday, with totals generally increasing about 2 inches in some areas. It's now possible that when this storm subsides on Tuesday, Pasadena could see about 10 inches of rain; with about 7 inches in Northridge, Pomona and Santa Clarita; about 6 inches in downtown Los Angeles, Long Beach and Westlake Village; and about 5 inches in Redondo Beach.
If these totals are true, the south of the country is likely to experience widespread flooding and mud and debris flows in hillside areas, especially those affected by recent fires.
Danger on the roads
“We expect a lot of flooding on highways and roads, and road closures. Many parked cars will be flooded…especially in low-lying areas of neighborhoods,” Kittell said. “Even if the rain begins to ease Monday morning, just the large amount of rain overnight will cause persistent flooding issues into the morning hours,” Kittell said. “Especially stay off highways.”
Kittell added: “Any area that is vulnerable to landslides, this definitely has the signature for that, especially as you get closer to Los Angeles County, but also includes Ventura and Santa Barbara County.” Expect lots of mud, rocks and debris on canyon roads, “flooded neighborhoods,” and the possibility that people living near streams and rivers will need to be rescued from strong flows.
'Stay at home'
“If you are not home yet, come home and stay home. Stay off the roads,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “As we anticipate this weather event to continue over the next several days, if you are able to work remotely, please stay home.”
Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian said the amount of rain predicted is unusual for Los Angeles, noting, “We've only had this kind of intensity twice before in the last 40 years, so take it seriously.” ”.
“If you absolutely have to drive, slow down,” Krekorian said. “Do not drive through flooded areas: there will be potholes. “There will be dangers and you will not only put yourself at risk but also others along the way.”
Some Los Angeles County employees are advised to work from home on Monday, said Lindsey Horvath, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors.
Last week's storm was much less powerful but caused significant street flooding.
On Thursday, flooded roads clogged the morning commute, closing the southbound lanes of the 710 Freeway at Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach and a portion of PCH at the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica. In Huntington Beach, a three-mile stretch of PCH was also closed due to flooding.
Nearly seven miles of Palos Verdes Drive South from Hawthorne Boulevard to Palos Verdes Drive East closed for a few hours Thursday due to flooding and a landslide that left debris and mud across the road, and officials urged residents to “shelter in place until it rains heavily.” happens.”
Floodwaters also submerged vehicles in low-lying areas of Long Beach on Thursday.
Worse than Hilary?
For some of the populated areas of Southern California, this storm will bring winds that will actually be “much stronger” than Tropical Storm Hilary in August, especially at lower elevations, Kittell said.
Hilary brought most of the rain to the interior of the Southern California mountains and deserts; This weekend's storm is focused on “the coastal side of the mountain, where a lot of people live…the urban areas along the coast and valleys, and the south-facing hills,” she added.
Schools
The Los Angeles Unified School District will hold classes on Monday.
“Our schools represent more than just education. “They are the places where many of our children receive their nutrition,” said the Superintendent. said Alberto Carvalho. “After this weekend many will depend on that breakfast, lunch, snack and in many cases, a dinner. “Our schools will be open.”
But acknowledging the threat of the storm, Carvalho also said parents and staff should not put themselves in harm's way on Monday.
“We will exercise a lot of grace, patience and understanding with both our students and our workforce,” Carvalho said. “I urge parents and the workforce to make decisions based on what they know about their community and their path to their school or workplace. “Don’t put yourself in danger.”
