Atmospheric River Storm Brings Heavy Rains and Strong Winds to Southern California
A powerful atmospheric river storm has made its way to Southern California, bringing with it heavy rains, strong winds, and major snowfall. According to forecasters, this storm has the potential to become the region’s worst Christmas storm in recent memory. Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, warned of a high potential for widespread, life-threatening flooding, as well as dangerous rock and mudslides.
Cohen advised residents to stay indoors during the storm, citing the cumulative effects of rain over multiple days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center has elevated the flash flood risk to high for Wednesday across a large swath of southwest California, including the southern slopes of the Santa Monica, San Gabriel, and San Bernardino mountains.
Flash Flood Risk and Weather Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for almost all of Southern California through Thursday, with much of the rest of the state under a flood watch until at least Friday. Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, warned of widespread flash flooding, cars being swept away, structures taking on water, trees being downed, and power outages.
Southern California’s coastal areas and valleys are forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain from Tuesday through Saturday, with the foothills and mountains expected to receive up to 10 inches of rain over the same period. The region is also under a high-wind watch, with winds of up to 50 to 80 mph possible in the mountains and foothills.
What to Expect and When
Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning will see the first burst of heavy rainfall, with a chance of thunderstorms. Wednesday during the day may see a brief lull between bands of heavy rain, followed by a second belt of heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. This will increase the chances of urban flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially in burn scars and mountainous passes.
Thursday will see continued heavy rainfall, with ongoing concerns about flooding. Friday and Saturday will still have a chance for additional rainfall and showers, adding to already high rain totals. Dropping temperatures are forecast to bring several inches of snow to Southern California mountains.
For the latest updates and forecast, visit the National Weather Service’s website. Here
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