A second powerful atmospheric river arrived in Southern California on Sunday, bringing torrential rain and what the National Weather Service Los Angeles office described as a “high risk of life-threatening and damaging flood.” This, combined with expected mountain snow, spurred Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue a state of emergency in eight counties, including Los Angeles and Orange. Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties later announced their states of emergency. “Los Angeles County is taking steps to protect our communities during the storm and recover from any consequences,” stated Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsey P. Horvath.
The weather service’s Los Angeles office issued a Flash Flood Warning early Monday
Officials added that the emergency proclamation will speed up the acquisition of critical supplies and resources, the deployment of disaster service professionals, and the implementation of emergency protective measures such as evacuation orders. The weather service’s Los Angeles office issued a Flash Flood Warning early Monday for “the Santa Monica Mountains to the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park, as well as the Adjacent Foothills in the Valleys, and the Cities of Malibu and Beverly Hills of Los Angeles County in southwestern California… until 900 AM PST Monday… At 1138 PM PST, numerous damaging landslides, flooded roadways, submerged vehicles, and flooded creeks and streams are ongoing in the warning area.” Doppler radar detected heavy rain in the notified area.”
The L.A. office also posted a flood watch that lasts until 4 p.m. Tuesday, using all capital letters in mentioning the “HIGH RISK FOR LIFE-THREATENING AND DAMAGING FLOODING.” Earlier, the office said, “This is one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory,” adding that, “This is a DANGEROUS SYSTEM with major risks to life and property.” The office again used capital letters. Early Monday morning, the office said on X, the former Twitter, that there was an “EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION UNFOLDING IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS AREA AND AROUND THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS. Life-threatening landslides and additional flash flooding are expected overnight tonight. Avoid travel if at all possible.” Again — the office used the capital letters for emphasis.
San Bernadino County Fire announced on X early Monday that three persons had been rescued from rushing waves. “No injuries, but all are being evaluated for hypothermia,” the department stated. Torrance issued a flood warning Sunday evening, stating that debris flows were likely or already occurring. Residents were asked to take immediate action to safeguard themselves and their property and to avoid unnecessary travel. Rain is expected to persist until Tuesday. The NWS predicts the highest rainfall totals in Los Angeles County, with 4 to 8 inches in the metro region and 8 to 14 inches in the mountains and foothills. With heavy rain predicted to continue, officials have encouraged people to work from home if possible.
“Storms can change quickly, but let me be clear: This storm is a serious weather event.”
Early Monday, the weather service warned that “The tail end of a powerful atmospheric river storm will bring a threat (of) heavy rain and heavy snow to mostly LA county through Tuesday.” Dangerous flooding is expected in Los Angeles County today, followed by several feet of mountain snow through the night. The storm is expected to subside by Tuesday. Showers will occur intermittently from Wednesday to Friday, with cooler-than-normal temperatures. The storm also set a record on Sunday. The weather service said that downtown Los Angeles received 4.10 inches of rain, which “exceeded the daily record of 2.55″ set in 1927.”
“Storms can change quickly, but let me be clear: This storm is a serious weather event. This has the potential to be a historic storm, severe winds, thunderstorms, and even brief tornadoes,” said Mayor Karen Bass during an afternoon news briefing. A flood watch was still in effect for all areas. Forecasters predicted flooding along freeways and in communities, affecting even parked automobiles due to the amount of rain expected. Commuters are warned to avoid roadways on Monday morning.
Strong, destructive winds are expected, causing the NWS to issue an unusual winter storm warning for Ventura County and north, as well as the mountains of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, including Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Wrightwood. The winter storm warning indicates that severe rainfall could result in flash flooding. Los Angeles County is not under a storm warning, but rather a gale warning, which indicates sustained surface winds or frequent gusts of 39 mph to 54 mph may occur. Winds will be lighter on Monday and into Tuesday. Stronger winds may return on Wednesday.
