Southern California braces for “biggest storm of the year”

Portions of Southern California are bracing for an expected “severe” storm heading its way later this week.

Why It Matters

Los Angeles County was hit by concurrent deadly fires during extreme wildfire weather conditions in January.

The area is now at risk for mudslides amid the looming threat of extensive rain. An area previously impacted by wildfires is called a “burn scar” area.

What To Know

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles, a Pacific storm is set to make its way ashore dropping “widespread” rainfall from Tuesday until Friday. The day with the heaviest rainfall is predicted to be Thursday into the evening, the NWS says.

A flood watch will also go into effect on Thursday near previous fire locations due to “the risk of debris flows and flash flooding in and around the recent burn areas,” according to the NWS.

NWS Meteorologist Bryan Lewis told Newsweek via phone on Monday, that this is the “biggest storm of the year,” due to rainfall. The area is expecting 1.5 to 3 inches of rain and “double that for the foothills and mountains,” Lewis said.

The biggest area of concern is for burn scar regions, Lewis said, also adding that a flash flood warning could be initiated if more than half an inch of rain per hour is falling.

Vehicles drive through the rain on the 101 freeway on February 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Another atmospheric river storm is delivering heavy rains to California two weeks after a powerful storm brought widespread…

The NWS Los Angeles posted a map of expected rainfall totals for the state amid the storm.

What People Are Saying

California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s office posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday: “NEW: @CAGovernor Newsom has been briefed on the incoming severe storm expected to impact Southern California later this week. The Governor is mobilizing state personnel and resources to support communities and help prevent mudslides and debris flows in burn scar areas.”

NWS Los Angeles posted on X on Monday: “Here are the key details of the storm coming this week. Thursday is NOT a good day to travel, especially in the afternoon and night hours. Avoid the roads if you can. #cawx #larain.”

The key details shared were potential rainfall totals, and intensity and timing of the storm.

KNX News reporter Jon Baird on X on Monday: “Getting ready for the heavy #storm that is expected to hit Southern California by Thursday night. With rain that could be intense enough to cause #mudslides. This is along PCH in the #PalisadesFirezone.@knxnews”