Morning Rain Brings Refreshing Showers to Southern California: What to Expect Next
Flooding Risks Loom in Los Angeles as Heavy Rains Continue
Los Angeles, CA — Southern California is experiencing significant rain early Friday morning, raising concerns about potential flooding on freeways and roads throughout the region. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for various areas, warning that already saturated hillsides may be susceptible to mudslides due to the ongoing storms.
The current rainfall is attributed to an atmospheric river, which is poised to deliver an additional 2 to 5 inches in mountainous regions, while other areas could see less than 2 inches unless isolated thunderstorms develop with heavy showers. Following a steady overnight downpour, Friday’s showers are expected to become more scattered as the day progresses.
Flood watches remain in effect for widespread parts of Los Angeles County, extending through the afternoon. Nearby San Bernardino and Riverside counties are also under similar alerts, with light rain expected to shift eastward out of Los Angeles County later in the day.
In preparation for these weather conditions, evacuation warnings and orders were issued earlier this week, although some have since expired. Warnings are still active for the Palisades and Eaton burn areas, along with extended evacuation notices for residents near several other burn areas including Agua Dulce, Lidia, Franklin, Bridge, Canyon, Owen, Hurst, and Kenneth.
Downtown Los Angeles has recorded 2.59 inches of rain through noon on Thursday, marking the wettest Christmas Eve to Christmas Day holiday period since 1971 when the city received 3.24 inches. Accompanying the rain, wind gusts have reached up to 80 mph in some locations.
As temperatures remain mild, generally in the lower 60s and upper 50s, strong winds are expected to continue affecting inland areas. Another round of rain is forecast for Wednesday into Thursday, indicating that the region should remain vigilant as it navigates these tumultuous weather patterns.
