Latest Storm Update
The second storm of the week arrived Thursday afternoon, as light to moderate rain was reported all across Southern California while mountain communities braced for snow.
Storm Forecast
After a couple of storm systems pummeled the region earlier this week, Thursday’s rain is forecast to elevate flooding risks. Expecting “excessive rainfall,” the National Weather Service issues a flood watch in most parts of Los Angeles County as the alert will go into effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and expire Friday morning.
Flood Watch Details
Forecasters said excessive runoff may be possible, causing rivers, creeks, streams to flood, especially in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Saturated soil after days of rain could also pose mudslide threats to vulnerable areas, such as Palisades and Eaton fire burn zones, as well as rockslide risks along canyon roads.
Weather Risks
“The risk of burn scar debris flows is low but could increase if thunderstorms develop directly over those areas,” NBC Los Angeles Meteorologist Belen de Leon said. There could also be isolated heavy downpours, wind gusts up to 50 mph, lightning and even a remote chance of a tornado, de Leon added.
Storm Warning
Another look at the potential for heavy rain across LA county tonight.
There’s a slight risk of excessive rainfall across the eastern half of LA county as well as areas south.
Urban flooding, rock and mudslides as well as minor debris flows near burn scars possible. #CAwx
The NWS also issued a winter storm watch that will be in effect through Sunday morning for the San Gabriel Mountains and the Antelope Valley (14) Freeway corridor, noting that as many as 8 inches of snow could fall above 6,000 feet, accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 mph.
Rainfall and Snowfall Expectations
Local authorities will again be keeping their eyes on recent burn areas for possible debris and mud flows. In the past five days, according to the NWS, downtown Los Angeles received 3.47 inches of rain, East Pasadena received 4.43 inches of rain and Mt. Baldy received 6.58 inches of rain. The latest storm was expected to drop a half-inch to an inch of rain in coastal and valley areas, with 1 to 2 inches falling in the mountains and foothills.
Conclusion
The unsettled weather system is expected to exit to the east on Saturday. According to the NWS, temperatures should climb back into the normal range by Sunday, with highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s.
FAQs
- Q: What areas are under flood watch?
A: Most parts of Los Angeles County. - Q: What is the expected amount of snowfall in the mountains?
A: Up to 8 inches above 6,000 feet. - Q: Are there any risks of mudslides or rockslides?
A: Yes, especially in areas like Palisades and Eaton fire burn zones, and along canyon roads. - Q: When is the flood watch expected to expire?
A: Friday morning. - Q: What are the chances of a tornado?
A: Remote chance.
