LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Heavy rain began falling in the Southland Monday, prompting a flood watch and evacuation warnings for people living in burn scar areas.
The first in a trio of storms expected to hit the Southland this week also ushered in colder winter temperatures throughout the area, thunder and significant snow in the mountains, the National Weather Service said.
Monday’s storm is expected to be the heaviest and produce the greatest overall rainfall totals, with forecasts calling for about 1 to 3 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains by late Monday.
The city of Los Angeles issued evacuation warnings for people living in burn scar areas, after a flood watch was issued for a wide swath of Los Angeles County from Monday morning through Monday evening. Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain, and debris flows are possible on burn scars.
The NWS said anyone near vulnerable areas was “urged to start taking precautions now,” adding that “severe weather, including small tornadoes, 60 mph winds and one-inch-per-hour rain rates” are possible.
Mayor Karen Bass warned residents in those areas to take precautions and be prepared for potential emergency warnings.
“Ahead of heavy rain forecasted this week, first responders, Public Works crews, and city personnel are taking action to keep Angelenos safe and will be ready to respond to any potential impacts,” Bass said in a statement late Saturday. “This is likely to be another significant rain event. All Angelenos — especially those in burn scar areas — are encouraged to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed.”
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis added her own warning for county residents.
“Los Angeles County is ready,” she said Sunday. “Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, and Office of Emergency Management are working together to prepare and keep our communities safe.
“We are also taking steps to protect our most vulnerable residents. Our Department of Homeless Services and Housing is coordinating outreach to ensure individuals in high-risk areas are informed of available resources and connected to shelter during the storm. The county has activated motel vouchers to support augmented existing shelter, and outreach teams will continue active engagement and prioritize motel placements throughout the weekend.
“Evacuation warnings are in effect for select parcels near areas burned in recent wildfires … through 9 a.m. Tuesday … Residents in those areas are urged to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if an evacuation order is issued.”
Forecasters also urged people in flood-prone areas to be careful.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” forecasters said.
“We advise not to make plans for outdoor activities on Monday as conditions will be unusually hazardous,” the NWS’ Los Angeles office said.
A wind advisory was in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, with gusts expected to hit 60 mph.
Snow levels are forecast to drop from around 6,500 feet early in the storm to near 5,000 feet Tuesday.
A second storm system is expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures and the potential for additional rain and mountain snow. Forecasters said snow levels could fall as low as 2,500 to 3,000 feet at times, creating possible travel hazards on mountain roads.
An additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a possibility of 3 to 6 inches of total rain in the mountains, according to the NWS meteorologists.
Along the coast, a period of “very large waves” is expected to start on Monday, with surf generally peaking Tuesday and Wednesday across west- facing beaches. High surf advisories and beach hazard statements are in effect for all coasts, and a high-surf advisory in Orange County was in effect until 10 p.m. Friday.
Officials warned of dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion, with possible minor tidal overflow into parking lots and boardwalks.
Six Flags Magic Mountain closed on Monday due to the rain and high winds. The park said unused tickets dated for Monday can be used on any day through Dec. 31.
Santa Anita Park postponed Monday’s special holiday racing program inn light of the weather forecast. A makeup day for the postponed Presidents Day card will be added to the Classic Meet prior to the end of the season.
Temperatures are dropping sharply, with daytime highs remaining in the mid-50s in most of Los Angeles and Orange counties all week, and dropping to the low 50s and even upper 40s in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys.
Overnight lows will be in the 40s in most areas, but will drop into the 30s in the mountains, Santa Clarita Valley and the high desert from Tuesday to Friday.
The third storm system is expected Thursday, but meteorologists say those moisture levels are unconfirmed.
Los Angeles residents can monitor emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.
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