Los Angeles, CA – A widespread Flood Watch has been issued for Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties beginning late Friday night and lasting through Saturday evening as a strong Pacific storm moves into Southern California.
According to the National Weather Service, the approaching system is expected to bring periods of heavy rainfall capable of producing rapid runoff, street flooding, and rising creek and stream levels. Forecasters warn that rainfall rates may reach up to 1 inch per hour, especially along south-facing coastal foothills and mountain slopes.
The Flood Watch covers nearly all areas of the three counties, including major population centers such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Maria, Palmdale, and Lancaster. Mountain corridors such as the I-5 Grapevine, the San Gabriel Mountains, and portions of Highway 14 are also included. Some southern portions of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties remain under a separate Flood Watch issued earlier.
Forecasters say the most intense rainfall is expected between late Friday night and Saturday afternoon, when the core of the storm pushes inland. Urban areas with storm drains prone to clogging could see rapid ponding, while rural and burn-scar regions may experience debris flows or mudslides.
Travelers should expect delays on major freeways, including I-5, US-101, I-405, and SR-118, especially during the Saturday morning and afternoon hours. NWS urges residents to monitor updates and be prepared to move quickly if Flood Warnings are issued.
Officials recommend avoiding flooded roadways, clearing gutters and drains ahead of the storm, and checking local emergency alerts for neighborhood-level advisories.
