Rain Arrives as Southern California Braces for Strongest Storm of Season

First Storm Brings Light Showers, But More Significant Weather Expected Later This Week

The first in a wave of storms expected to bring significant rainfall to Southern California this week arrived overnight. “We’re tracking rain as it’s making its arrival to Southern California. The first part of this storm system … just a blob of moisture ahead of the main storm … is moving relatively quickly,” KTLA’s Kirk Hawkins said Wednesday morning.

KTLA’s Live Radar Shows Light Showers Already Falling in Several Areas

KTLA’s Live Radar showed light showers already falling in several areas, including Santa Barbara, Long Beach, Oxnard, and Westlake Village around 4:45 a.m.

Wednesday’s Storm Expected to be Mild, but Thursday’s System Will be Much Stronger

Wednesday’s storm is expected to be relatively mild, bringing about a half inch of rain or less to most of the region. However, it will be followed by a much stronger system on Thursday. “We’re watching the arrival of a pretty significant storm system that has the potential to be very destructive in some of our burn areas … We could see heavy downpours, significant rainfall rates and a danger of debris flows,” Kirk said.

National Weather Service Warns of High Risk of Flooding and Debris Flows

The National Weather Service (NWS) called for a “high risk of flooding and burn scar debris flows” when Thursday’s storm makes its push. Rain totals in the Los Angeles area are then expected to jump to between 1.5 and 3 inches with up to 6 inches falling in the mountains.

NWS Meteorologist Describes Rain as “Bursting Type of Pattern”

NWS Meteorologist Ariel Cohen described the rain as a “bursting type of pattern” with periods of intense rainfall rates. Peak rain rates could reach a half inch to an inch an hour on Thursday, according to the NWS.

Forecasters Warn of 10-20% Chance of Thunderstorms and Widespread Roadway Flooding

Forecasters are also calling for a 10 to 20% chance of thunderstorms on Thursday, with widespread roadway flooding likely. The timing of the heaviest showers will be between noon Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday, according to the NWS.

Snow Levels to Rise and Fall, with Possible 20 Inches of New Snow in Resort-Level Areas

Snow levels will start out as low as 6,000 feet on Wednesday with “no more than a dusting” before rising to above 8,000 feet with a slightly warmer system arriving Thursday. Those resort-level areas could see as much as 20 inches of new snow, the NWS stated. Snow levels are likely to drop back to around the 6,000-foot mark in the wake of the storm.

Rain to Turn into Light Showers on Friday, with Warming and Drying Trend to Follow

The rain will turn into light showers on Friday before a warming and drying trend begins over the weekend and extends into next week.

Conclusion

Southern California is bracing for its strongest storm of the season, with a significant amount of rain expected to fall over the coming days. While Wednesday’s storm is expected to be relatively mild, Thursday’s system has the potential to be much more destructive. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

FAQs

* What is the expected amount of rain in the Los Angeles area?
+ Rain totals in the Los Angeles area are expected to jump to between 1.5 and 3 inches with up to 6 inches falling in the mountains.
* What is the expected timing of the heaviest showers?
+ The timing of the heaviest showers is expected to be between noon Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday.
* Is there a chance of thunderstorms on Thursday?
+ Yes, there is a 10 to 20% chance of thunderstorms on Thursday.
* What is the expected snowfall in resort-level areas?
+ Resort-level areas could see as much as 20 inches of new snow.