Southern California is bracing for the peak of an atmospheric river storm, with significant rain expected to impact the region. The storm is forecasted to reach its height on Saturday, with officials alerting residents about the potential for flooding and landslides, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires.
Storm Forecast and Preparedness
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts a 12 to 24-hour period of continuous rain affecting Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. Heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding, urban flooding, and debris flows, particularly in burn scar areas like:
- Eaton burn scar in Altadena
- Palisades burn scar in Pacific Palisades
- Bridge burn scar north of Claremont
- Line burn scar north of Highland
- Airport burn scar between Rancho Santa Margarita and Lake Elsinore
Flood watches are in effect for approximately 20 million people, starting from 1 a.m. Saturday in counties including Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Orange County, along with parts of San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino, will have watches beginning at 4 a.m. All watches are expected to lift by 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Rainfall Predictions and Potential Impact
Downtown Los Angeles has already recorded 0.25 inches of rain by 6 p.m. Friday, with forecasts predicting an additional 2.6 inches through the weekend. The atmospheric river could result in up to 5 inches of rain in areas with burn scars. A significant duration of heavy rainfall has the potential to register the wettest November in Los Angeles in 40 years.
Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist at the NWS, shared that Southern California’s flood risk is marked as “moderate,” indicating at least a 40% chance of intense rainfall. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and are warned against driving through flooded roads.
Localized Risks and Evacuation Orders
Evacuation warnings are in effect near burn scars until 11 a.m. Sunday. High-risk zones include areas affected by recent wildfires such as:
- Palisades Fire
- Eaton Fire
- Airport Fire
Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in specific high-risk homes in Pacific Palisades and other vulnerable locations.
Severe Weather Warnings
In addition to flooding, the storm may bring severe weather, including damaging winds and even a possibility of tornadoes. Thunderstorms present another risk, with some having the potential to intensify, leading to increased rainfall rates.
Residents are advised to stay indoors during storms, especially during lightning, and avoid navigating through moving water or downed power lines. The Los Angeles Fire Department has deployed resources across the city in preparation for storm-related emergencies.
Looking Ahead
This atmospheric river is classified as an AR Category 3 event, indicating it strikes a balance between beneficial and hazardous. Forecast models indicate additional storms may follow this weekend’s precipitation, scheduled for Sunday night through Tuesday and again from Wednesday night to Friday.
In light of these weather events, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize safety. While the chances of severe flooding affecting everyone are low, caution is advised in vulnerable areas during precipitation events.
