Scattered rain showers hit the Southland Sunday morning with more rain expected to douse the region early next week although the system isn’t expected to pack the same punch as the area’s recent record-setting downpours.
Still, flood fears are being heightened due to the region’s soaked terrain, prompting Los Angeles city officials to put comprehensive measures in place to manage the effects of the winter storm.
These include covering potholes from earlier storms, protecting already saturated land and helping unhoused people to get out of the rain.
“We must remain prepared for the additional rainfall coming to Los Angeles in the coming days,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Saturday. “We know the severe impact that weather can have on our roads and communities, and we are making sure Los Angeles is prepared and informed on behalf of our residents, including the unhoused Angelenos living on our streets, to get through this storm.”
The rain is expected to last on and off through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
“An extended storm through Wed will bring periods of mod. to heavy rain, mountain snow, strong winds, flooding & possible power outages,” the NWS’ Los Angeles office posted Saturday on X. “Flood Watch in effect for portions of all 4 counties, Sun PM-Wed AM. Prepare now!”
Forecasters warned that excessive runoff is still possible, which could overwhelm rivers, streams and other flood-prone locations.
“Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain,” forecasters noted.
Widespread moderate to heavy rain will hit Sunday night or Monday morning for Ventura and especially Los Angeles County.
Rainfall predictions call for 2 to 4 inches in coastal and valley areas and 4 to 6 inches possible in foothills and mountains, with some localized totals reaching up to 8 inches. Peak rainfall rates of 0.5 to 1 inch are likely, with the higher end of the range focused across south facing mountain slopes and foothills.
“A very strong 170 mph jet streak and modest lapse rates will support a slight chance of thunderstorms building into the region around the same time frame,” the NWS said. “Any thunderstorms or convective showers may support dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning, gusty and damaging winds, and a brief water spout or tornado.”
Snow levels during the peak of the storm will be about 8,000 feet, lowering to around 7,000 feet Monday or Tuesday, with 5 to 10 inches possible between 6,500 and 8,000 feet.
A high surf advisory was issued for Sunday through Tuesday at all west and southwest facing beaches, with waves up to 10-15 feet expected.
The rain should clear out by Thursday, but temperatures will stay on the cool side all week, with highs hovering in the low 60s in the Los Angeles area and most of Orange County, and lows in the 40s and lower 50s.