Southern California Storm Updates: Heavy Rain and Snow Forecasted
Southern California is gearing up for a series of storms this week, which are expected to bring substantial rainfall and snowfall to the region. Here’s what residents need to know about the impending weather events.
Overview of the Storms
The first storm system made its debut on Monday evening, bringing light rain and gusty winds to areas south of Point Conception. According to the National Weather Service, the impact of this storm will be relatively mild in major urban areas.
Details on Storm 1
Rainfall predictions for the initial storm include:
- Thousand Oaks: 0.12 inches
- Downtown Los Angeles: 0.46 inches
- Long Beach: 0.73 inches
Further south, San Diego and Orange counties are expected to experience slightly heavier rain, with totals ranging between a third to two-thirds of an inch, particularly in the mountainous regions where amounts may exceed an inch.
Preparing for Storm 2
The second storm, characterized by a stronger atmospheric river, is anticipated to make landfall early Wednesday morning, lasting through Thursday. This system is predicted to deliver significant rainfall across coastal and valley areas.
Forecasted rain totals for the second storm include:
- Coastal and valley areas: 1 to 2 inches
- Mountains and foothills: 2 to 4 inches
In downtown Los Angeles, anticipated rainfall is approximately 1.46 inches, with Thousand Oaks receiving around 1.14 inches and Long Beach getting about 1.05 inches.
Potential Impacts of the Storms
The second storm is expected to raise significant concerns, particularly regarding burn scars from previous wildfires across Los Angeles County. “This is definitely the storm to really watch out for,” stated Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
A flood watch will be in effect starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, warning of flash flooding and debris flows, notably across areas vulnerable to heavy rainfall. Specific regions of concern include those affected by the Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, and Eaton fires.
The heaviest rains are projected to fall overnight from Wednesday into Thursday morning, with the potential for thunderstorms in southwest-facing mountainous terrains.
Snowfall Predictions
Along with the rain, the storms are expected to contribute significant snowfall in California’s mountainous regions:
- Snow levels in Los Angeles and Ventura counties are forecasted to decline to 3,000 feet by Wednesday night.
- Mountains above 6,500 feet could receive 1 to 2 feet of snow, whereas lower elevations might see 6 to 12 inches.
- In San Bernardino County, wet snow is expected, with higher elevations accumulating between 3 to 8 inches.
- Similarly, Northern California’s Sierra Nevada region is bracing for heavy snow and strong winds, with forecasts predicting up to 3 feet along the Sierra crest.
Travel Advisories
Travelers should prepare for potential delays, as conditions such as blowing snow and ice are likely on major routes including:
- Interstate 5 in the Tejon Pass
- Highway 14 in the Antelope Valley
- Highways 33 and 154
As the storms unfold, Southern California residents are urged to stay updated through local weather reports and prepare for the potential impacts of heavy rainfall and snowfall.
