News Summary
Southern California is bracing for a major storm expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flash floods starting late Monday. The storm will initially affect Ventura County, with rainfall forecasting up to 3.5 inches in mountainous regions. A Flood Watch has been issued, especially near burn scars from recent wildfires, and residents are advised to take precautions. This storm coincides with ongoing La Niña conditions, raising concerns over drought and fire risks in the region.
Los Angeles, California – A major storm is heading toward Southern California, bringing with it heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential for flash floods. The storm is anticipated to begin late Monday, continuing through Wednesday, with Ventura County being the first area to feel the impacts. Rainfall is expected to start overnight Monday, lasting into Tuesday.
The storm’s initial phase will see winds picking up on Monday, signaling its onset. According to meteorological forecasts, the rain could significantly affect Tuesday morning’s commute, with precipitation levels ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in low-lying regions and potentially up to 3.5 inches in mountainous and foothill areas. The National Weather Service has indicated that rainfall rates might surpass half an inch per hour.
A Flood Watch has been issued due to the storm’s predicted intensity, particularly for areas near burn scars from recent wildfires, including the Eaton, Palisades, Mountain, Bridge, and Line Fires. The monitoring agency warned residents of the increased risk of flash flooding in these areas. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms developing during the storm.
In addition to heavy rain, strong gusty winds are expected to accompany the front, with speeds reaching up to 50 mph. These winds, combined with the rain, are likely to create hazardous conditions across the region. Temperatures will drop as well, with highs expected to fall from the 80s into the 60s. In mountainous regions above 6,000 feet, light dustings of snowfall are a possibility.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potential debris flows and should take precautionary measures, including the stocking of sandbags, which are being provided in some communities like Sierra Madre. Officials are also urging residents to check and clear storm gutters before the storm hits to mitigate flooding risks.
The storm’s most intense period is forecasted to occur from 5 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, coinciding with morning rush hour. Drivers are advised to exercise extra caution on the roads, as even a few inches of water can result in a loss of vehicle control.
This storm arrives while Southern California is experiencing the ongoing effects of a La Niña climate pattern, which has raised concerns about a drier-than-average winter overall. The match of wet weather with a backdrop of potential drought and elevated fire conditions makes this storm significantly impactful for the region.
Officials continue to watch the situation closely, ensuring that the public receives updated information as the storm develops. Preparedness measures, including clearing drainage areas and having emergency kits ready, are being prioritized in Southern California communities.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Storm Expected to Soak Southern California Early Next Week
- Wikipedia: Storm
- KTLA: Winter-Like Storm Coming to Southern California
- Google Search: Southern California storm
- CBS News: Southern California Rainstorm, Thunderstorm, Flooding
- Google Scholar: California weather patterns
- NBC Los Angeles: Weather Rain Coming to Southern California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- VC Star: First Storm of Season Headed to Southern California
- Google News: California weather
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
