Southern California is bracing for its strongest storm in over a year, with meteorologists warning of significant rainfall and potential flooding across the region. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for widespread roadway flooding and the risk of landslides, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires.
Forecasters predict that the storm will begin to impact the area on Thursday, with heavy rain expected to start in the afternoon and continue into Friday morning. Rainfall totals could reach 1.5 to 3 inches in urban areas, while mountain regions might see between 3 to 6 inches. In San Luis Obispo County, some areas could receive 5 to 10 inches of rain, with downtown Los Angeles projected to get approximately 2.17 inches over the storm’s duration.
Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, cautioned residents to avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday. "Thursday is just not a great day to be on the road," he said, noting that slick conditions could lead to numerous traffic accidents and localized flooding. He urged those living near burn scars to consider evacuating their homes before the storm hits, as the risk of mudslides and debris flows is heightened in these areas.
The storm is being driven by an atmospheric river—a phenomenon characterized by long, narrow bands of moisture in the atmosphere that can deliver substantial rainfall. This particular event is expected to be one of the wettest storms of the winter, with a flood watch or flash flood watch likely to be in effect for much of Southern California and the Sierra foothills.
In addition to the rain, strong winds are anticipated, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph in mountainous areas and 20 to 40 mph in other locations. These winds could lead to downed trees and power lines, causing electrical outages across the region. The storm’s intensity is expected to peak on Thursday, creating hazardous conditions for residents.
As the storm approaches, officials are advising residents to prepare for potential evacuations and to stay updated on weather conditions. The storm is expected to move out of the region by Friday, giving way to a dry spell as temperatures are forecasted to rise in the following week.