Introduction to the Storm
Widespread flood watches and evacuation warnings in recent wildfire burn areas are in effect with a winter storm set to deliver periods of heavy rain and snow in Southern California. The rainfall arrives about two months after January wildfires in Southern California, including the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County. The fires stripped brush from hillsides, leaving them more vulnerable to mud and debris flows as rainfall rates increase.
What to Know
What to Know
- Rainfall rates will be light to moderate before heavier rain overnight with the possibility of rainfall rates that could cause slides and debris flows.
- Evacuation warnings are in effect for several Southern California burn scar areas, including in the Palisades and Eaton fire zones.
- Flash flood watches went into effect Wednesday for widespread parts of the region.
- A winter storm warning remains in effect into Saturday for area mountains.
- Pacific Coast Highway was closed and lined with concrete barriers in the Palisades Fire area.
Storm Details
Rainfall rates will mostly be light to moderate, but periods of heavy rain are possible late Wednesday and through the overnight hours into Thursday morning. "We’re dealing with a fast moving storm that’s going to dump down a lot of rain in a short amount of time," said NBCLA meteorologist Melissa Magee.
Preparations and Evacuations
Evacuation warnings went into effect Wednesday morning for some wildfire burn scars in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Many areas were under flood watches, indicating the potential for flash flooding. More than 10,000 feet of concrete barriers and more than 6,500 sandbags were in place in the Palisades Fire area, according to the city. A line of the K-rail barriers were positioned on Pacific Coast Highway, which had been open to people who live and work in the Palisades area, but was closed Wednesday due to the storm.
School Closures and Additional Warnings
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced that all Malibu schools will be closed Thursday due to road closures. In Sierra Madre, an evacuation warning was in effect due to the possibility of debris flows in the Eaton Fire area. During the mid-February storms, a debris and rock flow in little Santa Anita Creek damaged homes and streets. Evacuation warnings also went into effect for canyons near the Airport Fire in Orange County.
Mountain Impacts
In the mountains, snow levels could be low enough to impact travel through major mountain passes. The rainfall comes after a slow start the wet season in Southern California. Extreme drought has spread into parts of San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. Most of Los Angeles County is under moderate drought, the least severe drought category, in the lastest US Drought Monitor report.
Storm Timeline
When will it rain?
Expect light scattered showers Wednesday before heavier rain in the late evening and into Thursday as a cold front arrives. The most intense periods of rain are expected late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. The heavy rain could cause flooding and raises the risk of debris flows in burn scar areas.
- Most of Wednesday: Scattered light showers.
- Wednesday night into Thursday morning: A line of heavy rain will move from west to east across the region with periods of more intense rainfall. Rainfall rates of 1/2 to 3/4 inch are possible, raising the risk of flooding and debris flows.
- Thursday afternoon: Scattered showers with a chance of thunderstorms.
- Friday: More showers with significant snowfall in the mountains.
Conclusion
The winter storm is expected to bring significant rainfall and snow to Southern California, posing a risk of flooding and debris flows in wildfire burn areas. It is essential for residents to stay informed and follow evacuation warnings and instructions from local authorities to ensure safety.
FAQs
Q: What areas are under evacuation warnings?
A: Several Southern California burn scar areas, including the Palisades and Eaton fire zones, are under evacuation warnings.
Q: What is the expected rainfall rate?
A: Rainfall rates will mostly be light to moderate, but periods of heavy rain are possible late Wednesday and through the overnight hours into Thursday morning.
Q: Are schools closed?
A: Yes, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced that all Malibu schools will be closed Thursday due to road closures.
Q: What is the winter storm warning?
A: A winter storm warning is in effect for area mountains into Saturday morning, with some areas expected to see 1 to 2 feet of snow and up to 5 feet possible elsewhere.
