Los Angeles, California – A strong atmospheric river is on track to disrupt Southern California’s holiday week, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and flooding concerns building from Tuesday through Saturday, and the most dangerous conditions expected midweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard, rain will spread across the region beginning Tuesday, intensifying Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. A Flood Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties as rainfall rates increase and runoff concerns grow.
Urban flooding, rockslides, and debris flows are possible, especially in foothill and mountain communities and near recent burn scars. Forecasters warn that widespread street flooding could develop during peak rainfall, creating hazardous travel conditions and delays on major roadways, including Highway 101, Interstate 5, and surface streets across metro Los Angeles.
Gusty southeast winds Tuesday into Wednesday may down trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages. The risk is elevated due to saturated soils from ongoing rainfall. There is also a low chance of thunderstorms from Tuesday through Thursday, which could briefly intensify rainfall rates.
Residents are urged to avoid flood-prone roads, stay away from creeks and rivers, and secure outdoor items. The Flood Watch may be extended into Thursday as the storm system continues to impact Southern California through the latter half of the week.
