Southern California’s prolonged heat wave is finally on the wane, replaced by a tropical storm that is bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region along with fears of potentially dangerous conditions in recent burn areas.
As the nearly two-week-long heat wave draws to a close, high winds and possible flash flooding are in the forecast for the weekend as a weakening hurricane approaches the California coast, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency posted a flash flood watch for Riverside County mountains, the Coachella Valley and the San Gorgonio Pass that will continue through Saturday evening.
Additionally, a high wind watch for the entire Inland Empire is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday to 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
The Weather Service said that as Hurricane Kay rolls to within 150 miles of San Diego on Friday, it will weaken to a tropical depression, but the cyclonic activity will generate instability throughout the region.
“The impacts here will include strong east winds, which will be enhanced by the mountains,” the NWS said. “Wind gusts over 70 mph (are) likely in parts of San Diego County, especially the mountains Friday, and across … Riverside and possibly Orange County Saturday.”
Forecasters warned that thunderstorms are possible, and rainfall could be in the “2-4 inch range from the mountains east into the deserts.”
“Heavy rain is most likely late Friday night through Saturday, but lingering moisture, especially if Kay remains nearby, could bring more rain Sunday,” the NWS stated.