LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A Pacific storm struck the Southland today,
generating rain and snow, creating treacherous travel conditions in the San
Gabriel Mountains and raising fears of widespread street flooding as well as
mudslides and debris flows in L.A. and Orange counties in areas stripped bare
by the Woolsey and Holy fires, forecasters said.
Shortly after 6:30 this morning, the NWS issued an Urban and Small
Stream Flood Advisory for western Los Angeles County. It will be in force until
9:30 a.m.
“National Weather Service Doppler radar and automated rain gauges
indicated moderate rain occurring across most of Ventura County and western Los
Angeles County,” according to a statement explaining the advisory. “Rainfall
rates between 0.10 and 0.25 inch per hour are being observed. This will cause
urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area. Roadway flooding can be
expected.”
The statement said areas that may experience flooding in Ventura and
L.A. counties include Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Camarillo,
Fillmore, Malibu, Ojai, Encino, Inglewood, Manhattan Beach, Agoura Hills,
Venice, Rancho Palos Verdes, Hollywood, Van Nuys, Culver City, Torrance,
Universal City, and the Hill, Woolsey, South and Stone burn areas.”
Motorists who encounter street flooding should turn around immediately.
Additionally, a winter storm warning denoting potentially perilous
conditions will be in effect in the San Gabriel Mountains from noon today until
10 a.m. Tuesday, the NWS said in a statement.
Heavy snow is expected, with snow accumulation of 6-12 inches
anticipated above 5,000 feet and 1-3 inches between 4,000 and 5,000 feet,
according to the NWS. There also could be light slow accumulation down to 3,500
feet, which could affect Interstate 5 through The Grapevine.
At the same time,“damaging” winds of 25-35 miles per hour gusting at
up to 60 mph will buffet the northwest San Gabriels, including the
Interstate 5 corridor, the weather service said. But no other warnings of high
winds were issued for any other part of L.A. County early this morning.
“Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening
commute on Monday and the morning commute Tuesday. Be prepared for significant
reductions and invisibility at times,” according to the NWS statement
discussing mountain conditions. A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe
winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions from CalTrans
are available by calling (800) 427-7623.”
In Orange County — including coastal, inland and mountain areas — a
flash flood watch will be in force from this afternoon through tonight.
Along the L.A. County coast, breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet, with
maximum sets of 8 feet, are expected, increasing to 5 to 8 feet this afternoon
through Tuesday, according to the NWS. The high surf then is likely to continue
Tuesday night through Friday.
The conditions create “an increased risk for ocean drowning,” warned
an NWS statement on maritime conditioms. “Rip currents can pull swimmers
and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off
beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”
Forecasters warned swimers who get caught in a rip current to “relax
and float. Don’t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction
following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave
for help.”
The storm arriving today will produce between a half-inch and an inch-
and-a-half of rain and up to 2-and-a-half inches in the mountains and
foothills, said NWS meteorologist Todd Hall. The three storms expected this
week should generate between 3 and 6 inches of rain in coastal valleys and 7 to
9 inches in mountains and foothills, he said.
“It’s going to be a very wet week for Southern California,” Hall said.
The Woolsey Fire area in Ventura County and in the Malibu area in L.A.
County is the most vulnerable of the region’s burn areas, Hall said. The
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department emphasized the risks in a statement.
“Authorities warn that all residents who live in or near the Woolsey
Fire burn area should remain aware of their surroundings and weather conditions
during these storms. Even small amounts of rainfall rates may result in
significant mud and debris flow, so we strongly encourage residents who live in
or near Woolsey Fire burn areas to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice,”
said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Captain Darren Harris.
“If you feel unsafe or think that hazardous conditions near your home
may develop, do not hesitate to leave. Elderly residents, individuals who
have medical conditions and residents who own large animals should make plans
now to leave their homes as a precaution.’
L.A. County public safety officials said communities in low-lying
areas or next to steep slopes or waterways are particularly at-risk of falling
debris and mud flow. Residents living in homes with limited roadway access or
that can become isolated for an extended period due to the storm should
consider leaving before storms arrive, and homes or neighborhoods with gates
should consider leaving them open to avoid being trapped due to mud flow
accumulation; even one-inch of mud can restrict gate operations.
“If your property becomes unsafe and there is no time to evacuate,
seek safe high-ground,” urged the sheriff department statement. It added:
“Since all canyon roads may be blocked and subject to closure for
extended periods, residents should have enough food, water, medication and
supplies for at least seven to 10 days for all family members, including pets
and large animals.”
In Orange County, a flash flood watch will be in effect from this
afternoon until tonight. It will be in effect in coastal, inland and mountain
areas.
“Heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with localized amounts up to 3
inches along the coastal slopes, is forecast to occur,” said an NWS statement
forecasting Orange County conditions. “Rainfall amounts of one half to one
inch could fall in one hour, with the heaviest rates occurring near the coast.
“There is the potential of mud slides and debris flows at recent burn
scars, particularly near the Holy Fire burn scar. Debris flows can happen
suddenly with little time to act. Heed the advice of local officials.
“In addition, street flooding is possible along with the possibility
of some road closures.”
The NWS forecast rain in L.A. County today and highs of 43 degrees on
Mount Wilson; 50 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 52 in Saugus; 57 in Burbank and
Woodland Hills; 58 in Pasadena; 59 in San Gabriel; 60 in Downtown L.A.; and 61
in Long Beach and at LAX.
Rain was also forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 40 on
Santiago Peak; 51 on Ortega Highway at 2,600 feet; 55 in Fremont Canyon; 56 in
Yorba Linda; 57 in Trabuco Canyon; 58 in Fullerton and Anaheim; 59 in Mission
Viejo, Laguna Beach and san Clemente; and 60 in Newport Beach and Irvine.
The rain is forecast through Thursday.
Series of Storms to Pound SoCal Through the Week
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