Widespread Rain Over the Weekend: Help or Hurt for Southern California?
Rainfall Totals and Timing
According to the National Weather Service, the highest rain totals are forecast in Los Angeles County and the eastern San Gabriel Mountains. There is a 15 to 25% chance of thunderstorms “anywhere and anytime” which may pose the risk of small hail. Three quarters of an inch of rain may fall per hour in some spots, NWS said in a weather bulletin. As for timing, forecasters predict the cold front will bring temperatures down and rain chances up starting Saturday afternoon and lasting into Monday. Rain rates are expected to be highest on Sunday and Monday.
Predicted Rainfall Totals
Predicted rainfall totals for Southern California by January 27, 2025.
Mudslides and Debris Flows
One major concern on the minds of weather officials and SoCal residents alike is possible mudslides in burn areas, and the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for affected parts of the region which starts Sunday. “Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible in and near the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes fire burn scars,” NWS said. “Heavy rain over the burn scars could trigger debris flows. Rain rates [may potentially] exceed USGS thresholds for debris flows.”
Preparation and Safety
In preparation for the storm, workers have been clearing sediment and obstacles from storm drains and setting up barriers to divert any water and debris flows that could affect buildings that survived the fires. “We don’t want to scare you, but we just have to tell you the reality of what’s to come,” KTLA 5 meteorologist Kacey Montoya said. “If we get a thunderstorm in one of those [burn scar] areas, all bets are off.”
Higher Elevations and Snow
At higher elevations, the cold front will bring snow levels to 3,500 to 4,500 feet, with three to eight inches of snow predicted in most areas. Even further up, a foot will “definitely” fall, Kacey said. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Ventura County mountain communities starting Saturday afternoon. In the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, six inches to two feet of snow could fall between Saturday and Monday afternoons, and a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the area with high winds forecasted. Travel during that period could be “very difficult to impossible,” the National Weather Service said.
Conclusion
While the rain is needed, it also brings the risk of debris flows in burn areas affected by recent wildfires. Residents in affected areas should take necessary precautions and stay informed about weather updates. The National Weather Service’s predictions and warnings should be taken seriously to ensure safety.
FAQs
* What is the predicted rainfall total for Southern California?
+ The highest rain totals are forecast in Los Angeles County and the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, with three quarters of an inch of rain possible per hour in some spots.
* What is the risk of debris flows in burn areas?
+ Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible in and near the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, Bridge, and Hughes fire burn scars.
* How can I prepare for the storm?
+ Clear sediment and obstacles from storm drains, set up barriers to divert water and debris flows, and stay informed about weather updates.
