A significant atmospheric river storm impacted Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, early Tuesday morning. This weather event brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and raised concerns about flooding and potential tornadoes along the Central Coast.
Evacuation Orders and Flood Risks
Evacuation warnings were issued for regions affected by past fire incidents, including:
- Palisades fire
- Eaton fire in Altadena
- Hurst fire in Sylmar
- Sunset fire in Hollywood Hills
Nearly 115 properties within these burn scars faced mandatory evacuation until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Particularly in Orange County, areas below the Airport fire burn scar also received evacuation orders due to flooding fears.
Impact and Response
At around 10:30 a.m., emergency responders rescued a woman and her two dogs from a platform along the Los Angeles River. Heavy rainfall led to flash flood warnings, especially in areas with burned soil that exacerbates flooding risks. Meteorologist John Dumas reported rainfall rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour.
The National Weather Service noted potential for mudslides, hail, and gusty winds capable of downing trees and power lines. Reports indicated that the storm caused tree falls near Balboa Avenue and the 101 freeway, in addition to road flooding in several locations, including:
- Hueneme Road near Olds Road in Mar Vista
- 101 Freeway near Seward Avenue in Ventura
- I-5 near Sheldon Road in Sun Valley
Tornado Warnings and Heavy Rainfall
As the storm progressed, some areas in San Luis Obispo County experienced rainfall rates up to 2.5 inches per hour, prompting rare tornado warnings for locations like Pismo Beach and Nipomo. Further into Ventura County, rainfall rates reached 3.5 inches per hour, resulting in downed trees and debris.
Forecasts and Preparations
Weather predictions for Los Angeles indicated total rainfall of 0.75 to 1.5 inches in coastal and valley regions, while foothill areas could see between 2 to 4 inches. Flood watches were in effect for much of the county, especially for burn scar areas where debris flows are a concern.
Authorities urged residents in vulnerable regions to prepare for evacuations. L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation orders to ensure safety.
Recommendations for Residents
The National Weather Service advised residents to avoid outdoor activities and travel during the storm. They recommended steering clear of roads with standing water and tall trees, as the risk of power outages was high.
By Wednesday evening, forecasts suggested that lingering showers would diminish, giving way to warming conditions in Southern California, with pleasant daytime temperatures predicted to return.
