Another storm is bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Southern California over the next 24 hours.
“Rain will likely increase in coverage and intensity this evening, especially for Los Angeles County, in response to a strengthening jet aloft,” according to the National Weather Service.
Roadway flooding and rock/mudslides are possible with significant water flow through local rivers, officials warned.
Crews with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) are preparing for potential power outages from damaged or knocked-over power lines. Gusty winds caused power outages for thousands across SoCal during the last storm.
“An estimated 85 percent of outages that occurred during the storm were caused by downed trees,” said LADWP. “When oversaturated by rain, soil can loosen and uproot trees that can fall on power lines.”
In addition to heavy rains in the forecast, the Los Angeles area is also under a flood watch.
“Flooding and water intrusion into underground electrical systems may also occur, resulting in power outages,” said LADWP.
Rainfall totals are expected from 0.5 inches to over 1 inch per hour, likely in mountainous and foothill areas, which could receive between 4 and 8 inches of rain in total, said NWS.
Gusty winds could reach 30 to 50 miles per hour, with isolated gusts of 60 miles per hour in Ventura and Los Angeles counties mountains.
The NWS encourages the public to avoid the “high threat of dangerous flooding of roads, creeks, and streams, and mudslides/rockslides in/near steep terrain.”
Those hazards pose a particular challenge near and below recent burn scars.
In response to the storm, local theme parks Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain were closed to the public on Tuesday.
Snow will fall above 8,000 feet, but there will be “little to no accumulation,” said NWS.
Experts are warning of dangerously high surf along the California coast.
Hazardous seas will peak Wednesday, hitting 8 to 12 feet, mostly in the Central Coast. Elsewhere, seas of 5 to 8 feet are expected.
Strong waves and rip currents will create dangerous conditions for visitors, NWS warns. Beachgoers should stay back from the water’s edge and off any coastal rocks.
NWS also recommends mariners remain in port, seek safe harbor, and/or secure their vessels from severe wind and combined seas.
Anyone heading outside should be aware of hazardous driving conditions including slick roads, and fallen rocks/debris. Debris flow is especially pronounced in recent burn areas.
Tips to prepare for the storm include:
– Keeping a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
– Keeping a fully charged cell phone on hand. During power outages, you may lose phone service and your cordless “landline” may also lose power.
If the power goes out in your home:
– Report outages online at ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-342-5397.
– Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
– Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold.
– Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
While the precipitation has been trying for some, it has pulled many parts of California out of drought conditions.
