News Summary
Southern California faced significant rainfall as a powerful early atmospheric river swept through the region, prompting evacuations and raising concerns over flooding and debris flows in burn scar areas. With downtown Los Angeles recording its first substantial rainfall since October 2009, public safety officials warned residents to heed evacuation orders as emergency response teams were deployed. Despite the risks, the storm might provide essential moisture to drought-stricken areas and aid in reducing future fire dangers. While the day brought heavy rain and traffic disruptions, normal weather patterns are expected to return by Thursday.
Los Angeles – A powerful early atmospheric river swept through Southern California early Tuesday, dropping heavy rain and prompting evacuations due to potential flooding risks. This storm, classified as a weak (Level 1) atmospheric river, marked the first significant rainfall since the start of the water year on October 1.
As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, rainfall totals varied across the region, with Bel Air and Beverly Hills receiving 2 inches, downtown Los Angeles recording 1.15 inches, and Woodland Hills soaking in a significant 3.28 inches. Notably, this is the first instance since 2009 that downtown Los Angeles has experienced more than an inch of rain in a single day during October.
While this storm brings much-needed moisture to drought-affected areas, there are serious concerns due to burn scars from January’s Palisades and Eaton fires. The potential for debris flows is heightened as rain falls on the repellent burned soil, leading to evacuation orders for 115 properties within these burn scar areas. These evacuation orders remain in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Additionally, evacuation orders were also issued in Orange County for areas affected by last year’s Airport fire burn scar; however, reports indicated that no significant damage occurred in those regions.
Furthermore, two weeks prior, Marquez Elementary in Pacific Palisades had recently reopened but had to relocate students temporarily due to landslide fears stemming from the current storm conditions.
Forecasters noted that despite the immediate risks, the storm could ultimately benefit the region by soaking vegetation, which may help mitigate fire risks in the near future. However, the heavy rainfall resulted in extensive traffic disruptions, with flooding affecting roadways in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The storm also caused downed trees and roof collapses at a movie studio in Sun Valley.
The National Weather Service highlighted rainfall rates, reporting up to 2.5 inches per hour in northern areas, coupled with potential for tornado activity. Flash flood warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for various regions, emphasizing the risks of thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds associated with the storm.
In response to the severe weather, multiple emergency response teams were deployed, including urban search-and-rescue and swift-water rescue crews. Public safety officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to heed evacuation warnings and prepare for possible power outages resulting from the storm.
As the day progresses, conditions are expected to improve, with forecasts indicating a return to typical weather patterns for Los Angeles by Thursday, featuring high temperatures in the 70s.
Overall, while the atmospheric river has brought with it significant rainfall and associated risks, it also presents a potential reprieve from ongoing drought conditions, though caution remains vital for residents particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times
- Wikipedia: Atmospheric River
- Star Advertiser
- Google Search: Southern California Flooding
- Union Bulletin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Weather
- AOL News
- Google News: Atmospheric River California
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