Weather Alert: Southern California Set for Significant Storms This Week
Southern California residents should brace themselves for a series of storms expected to hit the region this week, bringing both rain and snow. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
First Storm Overview
The initial storm system made its way into Southern California on Monday evening, primarily affecting areas south of Point Conception. The National Weather Service indicates that light rain and gusty winds are prevalent in these areas.
In Los Angeles County, rainfall is anticipated to start by Tuesday afternoon, with expectations of relatively low precipitation levels. Key forecasts include:
- Thousand Oaks: 0.12 inches
- Downtown Los Angeles: approximately 0.5 inches
- Long Beach: about 0.73 inches
Meanwhile, San Diego and Orange counties can expect slightly heavier rain, ranging from a third to two-thirds of an inch for coastal and mountainous regions. Higher elevations may receive over an inch of rainfall.
Impact of the Second Storm
An even stronger atmospheric river is poised to impact the region beginning early Wednesday morning, continuing through to Thursday. This storm brings the potential for heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal areas and mountainous regions as it progresses eastward.
Forecasters predict this system could deliver:
- 1 to 2 inches of rain along coastal and valley areas
- 2 to 4 inches in mountain and foothill zones
Specific forecasts suggest Downtown Los Angeles could receive approximately 1.46 inches, while Thousand Oaks may see about 1.14 inches. Coastal cities like Long Beach and Redondo Beach are projected to receive around 1.05 and 1.07 inches, respectively.
Potential Hazards
The second storm is raising significant concerns, especially regarding burn scars in Los Angeles County. Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, highlighted the need for vigilance: “This is definitely the storm to really watch out for.”
A flood watch is set to be issued starting Wednesday at 6 p.m., lasting through Thursday afternoon. This warning will cover much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as well as the south coast of Santa Barbara County, due to the likelihood of flash floods and debris flows from the anticipated heavy rainfall.
Key areas particularly at risk due to previous wildfires include the Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, and Eaton fire regions, where authorities are prepared for possible minor debris flows and mudslides.
Snow Accumulations Expected
Snow levels are expected to drop significantly during the storms, with forecasts indicating:
- Los Angeles and Ventura Counties: Snow levels dropping to 3,000 feet, with light snowfall anticipated.
- Higher elevations above 6,500 feet may see accumulations of 1 to 2 feet of snow.
- Lower elevations could receive 6 to 12 inches, while those between 4,000 and 5,500 feet might see between 1 and 5 inches.
Additionally, the San Bernardino County mountains might receive 3 to 6 inches of snow above 6,500 feet and 6 to 8 inches above 8,500 feet. San Diego County could also experience snowfall at elevations of 6,500 feet, with wind gusts reaching as high as 60 mph.
In Northern California, the Sierra Nevada region is anticipating heavy snow and strong winds, with gusts potentially hitting 40 to 60 mph. A winter storm warning is expected to be issued for the Lake Tahoe area, forecasting 2 to 3 feet of snow at the Sierra crest and up to 18 inches in local communities.
Travel Advisory
Travelers should be cautious, particularly on Interstate 5 through Tejon Pass and Highway 14 in the Antelope Valley, where blowing snow and icy conditions may lead to delays. Highways 33 and 154 could also witness similar disruptions.
Overall, residents are strongly advised to prepare for the upcoming storms, stay informed of weather advisories, and exercise caution, especially when traveling in affected areas.
