The first wave of rain in nearly a week is hitting Southern California. Snow expected in Mammoth, Tahoe
Torrential rains lashed Southern California on Monday, prompting flash flood watches and wind advisories for Los Angeles and warnings to evacuate burned areas, including warnings about the threat of mudflows and debris from the Pacific Palisades wildfire.
The first of many storms expected this week will bring frigid temperatures and the potential for mountain snow, with the National Weather Service estimating 1 to 2.5 inches of rain in coastal and valley areas and more than double that amount in mountain and mountain communities through Monday.
The NWS also warned of the possibility of “minor” or “weak” storms – although none had been reported as of Monday morning.
The threat of the storm led the holiday weekend attraction, Six Flags Magic Mountain, to close for the day. Announcing the closure on Instagram, theme park officials said tickets scheduled for Monday can be used on any of the park’s regular business days until the end of the year.
Forecasters say they expect more rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, as Los Angeles officials urged residents to be careful on roads and areas prone to flooding.
By the end of the week, forecasters are predicting totals of up to 2 to 4 inches in coastal areas and valleys and 4 to 8 inches in the mountains and mountains.
“It’s going to be a very wet period through the week,” said Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, who warned of “heavy rain and strong winds.”
“We’re expecting some more showers later today into tomorrow morning – you might hear some thunder in the early hours of Tuesday. It’s going to be very scattered, widespread, and persistent,” Wofford said.
Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, he said, forecasters are expecting more heavy rain and low snow levels “that could bring driving hazards on I-5, and we’ll probably see snow in Grapevine toward Bakersfield.”
President’s Day also brought heavy snow to Northern California and the Eastern Sierra, with several feet predicted in the mountains and whiteout conditions near Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe. Flurries were also expected to blanket Big Bear, where several feet of snow could fall through Wednesday.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to be careful when driving in areas hit by high winds and storms.
“Also, this could be another significant weather event that could cause high surf, flooded roads, downed trees, and mud and debris flows that Angelenos need to take seriously,” Bass said in a statement Monday.
“I urge all Angelenos – especially those in fire areas – to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed. Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org and report any life-threatening flooding, falling trees, or other damage to 311, which will be working under additional hours today,” Bass said.
The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning until at least 9 a.m. Tuesday in the burned areas of Palisades, Sunset and Hurst because of mud and debris flows. Residents are advised to check their evacuation plans, pack essentials, and be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
As a precaution, portions of Topanga Canyon Boulevard were closed beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday and continuing through the week.
The rains also disrupted roads in the Sawtelle neighborhood, where the Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded Monday to an incident in the 12300 block of West Olympic Boulevard, where seven vehicles were stuck in a flooded intersection. The department said it helped one person in their car but reported that no one was injured.
The NWS also issued multiple warnings for the Los Angeles area, including citywide flash flood watches and wind advisories for most of Monday.
The service also issued high surf advisories until 6 p.m. Thursday for the Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, San Pedro and Port of Los Angeles areas. Residents have been urged not to enter the sea. A hurricane warning was also in effect for the inland coast, with officials not recommending boating until conditions improve.
Despite a wet and, in some places, snowy start to the week, Southern Californians can expect sunshine and clearer skies on Friday, with temperatures in the mid-60s on Saturday.
Staff writer Sonja Sharp contributed to this report.
