{"id":22820,"date":"2025-10-14T07:10:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T14:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/atmospheric-river-storm-slams-into-socal-how-bad-will-it-get\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T07:10:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T14:10:38","slug":"atmospheric-river-storm-slams-into-socal-how-bad-will-it-get","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/atmospheric-river-storm-slams-into-socal-how-bad-will-it-get\/","title":{"rendered":"Atmospheric river storm slams into SoCal: How bad will it get?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Atmospheric River Storm Slams into SoCal<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Storm<\/h2>\n

An atmospheric river hit Los Angeles in the early hours of Tuesday morning, bringing with it scattered downpours, powerful winds and fears of flooding. Evacuation warnings have been issued in areas ravaged by January\u2019s firestorm \u2014 including the burn scars from the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire in Altadena, the Hurst fire in Sylmar and the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills \u2014 which are at a high risk of debris flows.<\/p>\n

Weather Warnings and Predictions<\/h2>\n

A flash flood watch is in effect for most of the county through Tuesday afternoon, with the heaviest rain predicted for Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service warned that the \u201crare and very potent storm system\u201d could fuel mudslides, thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds capable of knocking down trees and power lines.
\nIncreased risk of strong\/severe thunderstorms across SW California tonight\/Tue morning, capable of local damaging wind gusts of 60 mph+ brief heavy downpours+small hail. Conditions are favorable for rotating storms, capable of isolated waterspouts\/tornadoes. #LAWeather #cawx <\/p>\n

Storm Impact and Preparations<\/h2>\n

The storm began in earnest Tuesday morning, dropping rain across Los Angeles and knocking down trees near Balboa Avenue and the 101 freeway, according to the National Weather Service. \u201cIf outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building,\u201d the Weather Service warned in statement. \u201cTorrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.\u201d Before arriving in Southern California, the wintry storm swept through Northern and Central California, where it dusted the Sierra with the season\u2019s first major accumulation of snow, caused flight delays at San Francisco Airport, and generated a whirling column of air and mist over Monterey Bay.<\/p>\n

Regional Effects and Precautions<\/h2>\n

In L.A. County, the weather service predicts total rainfall of 0.75 to 1.5 inches in coastal and valley areas and from 2 to 4 inches in foothill and mountain areas. The storm system will also cause regional temperatures to plunge several degrees below normal. Flash flood warnings are in effect for much of Ventura County, parts of northern Santa Barbara County and inland Orange County, with residents in burn scars also warned to be prepared for debris flows. \u201cPeak rainfall rates of 0.33 to 0.66 inches per hour will be common, which should be enough to cause plenty of minor road issues and heavy traffic for the Tuesday morning commute,\u201d the weather services stated in its Los Angeles-area forecast. \u201cRockslides in canyon roads are nearly certain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Preparation and Response Efforts<\/h2>\n

Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive was closed from 10 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday due to the predicted storm. This 3.6-mile stretch of highway is an ongoing work zone due to damage from the Palisades fire and previous winter storms. City and county authorities worked to prepare vulnerable areas with sandbags on Monday, while law enforcement went door to door warning residents in burn scars about the risk of debris flows. The Los Angeles Fire Department, in coordination with the state Office of Emergency Services, pre-deployed a 22-member strike team, a 27-member hand crew, a six-member urban search-and-rescue team and a 16-member swift-water rescue team to respond to potential debris flows.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The atmospheric river storm slamming into Southern California brings significant risks of flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, especially in areas previously affected by wildfires. Residents are advised to take evacuation warnings seriously, prepare for possible power outages, and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. The storm is expected to clear out by Wednesday evening, with a return to Southern California\u2019s typical mild climate by Thursday.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n