After a soggy Presidents Day holiday, more rain was expected to fall in the Southland late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning, with another burst of precipitation anticipated on Thursday.
Both new rounds of rain, however, were expected to be far lighter than the sometimes-heavy downpours that saturated much of the area Monday. But a flood watch will be in effect in Los Angeles County from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
“While rain totals likely won’t be as high as some recent storms, mostly under an inch for coast/valleys and 1-2 inches in the mountains, there could be some brief periods of very heavy rain accompanied by very strong winds possibly exceeding 60 mph at times that could easily blow down trees and cause damage,” according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said there is a 60% chance of winds exceeding 70 mph in some mountain areas and the Antelope Valley Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, along with gusts topping 40 mph along the coasts and in valley areas. They noted “the chances for wind damage tonight (are) quite high.” The NWS advised residents to take down awnings and umbrellas and avoid parking cars near trees.
The storm front could also drop 1 to 3 inches of snow on the Golden State (5) Freeway through the Grapevine, and forecasters warned motorists to anticipate possible delays or closures on the stretch. The overall snow level is expected to drop to around 3,000 feet by dawn Wednesday.
“While much of the storm will be done by that time, prevailing northwest flow may keep showers going on the north facing slopes through the morning hours Wednesday, and this would include the Grapevine on Interstate 5,” the NWS said.
A lull in the precipitation is expected Wednesday, but more widespread rain is expected on Thursday. Forecasters said that system, however, will be “drier and less dynamic” than the previous storm fronts, with only one-third to a half-inch of rain expected.
Heavy rain fell across most of the area Monday, flooding many freeways and surface streets and prompting evacuation warnings for people living in burn scar areas. The city on Tuesday extended those evacuation warnings until further notice, given the forecast of additional rain in the coming days.
Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis previously warned residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions and be prepared for potential emergency warnings this week. Both leaders said officials had extra staff deployed to respond to any emergencies, but the county made it through Monday’s deluge without any major issues such as severe rockslides or mud and debris flows.
Los Angeles residents can monitor emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.
No evacuation orders were issued during Monday’s deluge, but several roads flooded, including an intersection at 12330 W. Olympic Blvd. in West Los Angeles, where seven vehicles were stalled.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard was expected to remain closed through Tuesday in both directions from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive, according to Caltrans. The agency said Monday that multiple locations within the closure had mud and debris slides.
That stretch of road, also know as state Route 27, is an active work zone for ongoing recovery efforts from last year’s Palisades Fire and winter storms. It is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
For Tuesday, a wind advisory was issued for the Antelope Valley from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for expected gusts up to 50 mph. A stronger high wind warning will follow from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, when gusts could reach 65 mph.
Very large waves are expected across coastal waters through Friday, with surf peaking Tuesday and Wednesday across west-facing beaches. High surf advisories and beach hazard statements are in effect for all coasts.
Temperatures are dropping sharply this week, with daytime highs remaining in the mid-50s in most of Los Angeles and Orange counties all week, and dropping to the low 50s and even upper 40s in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.
Overnight lows will be in the 40s in most areas, but will drop into the 30s in the mountains, Santa Clarita Valley and the high desert from Tuesday to Friday.