Southern California Braces for Strongest Storm of the Winter
Southern California is preparing for the strongest storm of the winter season, expected to hit toward the end of the week. The storm is raising concerns about mudslides, debris flows, and flooding, especially in areas affected by previous wildfires.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts a 20-40% chance of light rain starting Wednesday, Feb. 12, followed by an 80% chance of moderate to heavy rain on Thursday and early Friday. Meteorologist Adam Roser called this the "first significant rainfall event" of the winter season.
Los Angeles is expected to see the most rain, with concerns about large amounts of rainfall triggering problems in burned areas like the Palisades and Eaton fire zones. The storm could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain along the coast and valleys, and 4 to 8 inches in the mountains and foothills.
NWS meteorologist Bryan Lewis said there is a moderate risk for widespread heavy rain, flooding, debris flows, snow at high elevations, and strong winds. In some areas, the rain could fall at rates of up to 1 inch per hour for up to 24 hours, which could increase the risk of flooding and mudslides, especially in burn areas.
The pace of the storm could affect how intense the rainfall will be. Meteorologist Kristan Lund explained that if the storm moves slowly, rainfall could be even more concentrated in certain regions, increasing the risk of thunderstorms. While there’s a 5-10% chance of thunderstorms, the risk is still higher than the previous storm system, Lewis noted.
The earlier storm system brought some minor disruptions, including a mudslide on Pacific Coast Highway and some rocks tumbling near Pacific Palisades, but no major damage was reported. The mudslide on PCH covered all lanes just north of Big Rock Drive, and the road has been closed for safety reasons. Caltrans and local crews are working to remove debris and prevent further damage, with a closure in place between Malibu and Los Angeles until further notice. Malibu officials also confirmed that residents with access passes will not be able to travel through the closure.
Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties can expect up to 2 inches of rain between Wednesday and Friday, with flood risks heightened in low-lying areas and burn scars from last year’s wildfires. Residents in these areas are advised to clear drainage paths, set up sandbags, and avoid traveling in burn areas and mountain roads during heavy rain.
