Another round of rain moved into the Southland Wednesday, dropping more precipitation on an already saturated region, with unsettled weather expected to continue into the weekend and douse the traditionally dry Rose Parade.
Rain fell across most areas of the Southland Wednesday, slowing increasing in intensity as the storm system moved over the region. The heaviest rain of the system was expected Wednesday night into New Year’s Day, “with rain diminishing Thursday afternoon and evening,” according to the National Weather Service.
“Rainfall totals through Thursday evening are expected to range from 1-2 inches across coastal and valley areas with 2-5 inches across the foothills and mountains,” according to the NWS. “Rainfall rates will peak tonight through Thursday morning with 0.25-0.50 inch/hour rates common with local rates up to 1.00 inch/hour.”
Forecasters said there was a 15% to 30% chance of some thunderstorms developing over the area, while snow levels were expected to remain relatively high, above the 8,000- to 8,500-foot level.
According to the NWS, there is “a near 100% chance” of rain falling on the Rose Parade. Rain has not fallen on the Rose Parade since 2006. The floral procession has traditionally managed to avoid precipitation, with rain dampening the event less than a dozen times in its previous 136 years.
The rain was expected to taper off by Thursday night, giving the region a break through much of Friday, with more precipitation anticipated by late Friday night into Saturday. Forecasters said Saturday’s storm could bring a quarter-inch to an inch of rain across most of the area, with some south-facing mountain slopes getting another 2 inches.
Given last week’s storms that saturated the ground in many areas, authorities again warned of possible mud and debris flows from the upcoming rain. The NWS issued flood watches covering much of Los Angeles County and Orange County coastal and inland areas through Thursday evening.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to pre-position fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud, and debris flows — including parts of Southern California, with a particular eye towards burn scar areas.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday to coordinate preparedness measures and ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed.
Bass added that the LAFD had augmented staffing of specialized resources that can assist with swift water rescues, mud and debris flows, and other rain-related issues with a specific focus in burn scar areas.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was poised to respond to any potential power outages and will work around the clock to meet customer demand, according to the mayor’s office. L.A. Sanitation was also on standby to assist with any flooding calls and with monitoring the city’s wastewater conveyance system to manage the additional incoming water flow.
Evacuation warnings took effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday for residents living near recent burn zones across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Bridge, Kenneth and Canyon fires, due to the possibility of mud or debris flows.
Caltrans fully closed the 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive in the unincorporated community of Topanga at 5 p.m. Wednesday in advance of predicted rainstorms and potential debris flows.
The closure follows last week’s Christmas storms that brought mud and debris flows onto Topanga Canyon Boulevard and minor damage onto Pacific Coast Highway. Caltrans officials said they were concerned about more damages amid already-saturated slopes on both streets.
Southland motorists were advised to avoid driving at all during the storm if possible.
The Palisades Fire recovery work zone on Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace will remain open, with crews on standby to respond to flooding and debris flows.
Rainfall totals are estimated at up to 3.75 inches in the Palisades Fire burn scar area. Crews are preparing for the storm by moving equipment, placing k-rail and sandbags and stabilizing current retaining wall and other project work on Topanga Canyon Boulevard and PCH.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Wednesday morning, where the board ratified a local emergency proclamation issued earlier by board Chair Hilda Solis. The proclamation allows the county “to seek reimbursement for storm-related damages and accelerate recovery efforts” and ensure that “resources and assistance can be deployed quickly to support residents and communities affected by the storms.”