Heavy rains brought flood watches and winter warnings to Southern California, but it will dry out and warm up Tuesday.
After a week of generally above-average temperatures, rain fell on much of the Southland on Monday, making for wet morning and afternoon drives and prompting concerns of possible flooding in Orange County hillsides.
The flooding fears initially prompted Orange County to issue a mandatory evacuation order for the Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyon areas that took effect at noon. But by 4 p.m., the order was downgraded to an evacuation warning.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the Bond, Apple and El Dorado fire burn areas, which includes the Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyons. Forecasters said heavy rain is possible in the mountain areas, and residents nearby “should prepare for potential flooding impacts.”
Forecasters said the storm will linger over the region until early Tuesday morning, “bringing widespread rain, high elevation snow, and gusty winds. There will also be a chance of thunderstorms capable of producing heavy downpours and small hail later this morning through this evening.”
Light rain fell in coastal areas early Monday, gradually increasing in intensity through the morning rush hour and spreading eastward. Forecasters said rainfall rates were generally below an inch-per-hour in most areas in Los Angeles County.
A wind advisory is in effect in parts of Los Angeles County until 3 a.m. Wednesday. Northwest winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected in the Los Angeles County mountains, excluding the Santa Monica Range, and Lockwood Valley, Mount Pinos, Acton, Mount Wilson and Sandberg.
West winds from 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph are expected in the Antelope Valley in Lancaster and Palmdale.
Gusty winds can reduce visibility from blowing dust and make driving conditions difficult. The National Weather Service recommends using extra caution when driving, especially high-profile vehicles, and to secure outdoor objects.
According to the NWS, 6 to 12 inches of snow could accumulate in mountains above 6,000 feet, with 18 inches possible at 7,500 feet and higher — along with winds of up to 60 mph.
The bulk of the weather system is expected to move out of the area early Tuesday morning, “but there could be some lingering (mountain) showers persisting in the morning.”
Drier conditions are expected later Tuesday and Wednesday, with a “slight” chance of some more rain on Thursday, following by warming conditions on Friday and Saturday.