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Tag: First Alert Forecast

  • Flood watches, evacuation warnings issued in LA County ahead of storm

    Flood watches and evacuation warnings were issued for parts of Los Angeles County with several days of rain in the coming week’s forecast.

    A flood watch was issued for a widespread parts 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.

    Evacuation warnings, meaning people should prepare for the possibility of evacuation orders, go into effect for some properties near recent wildfire burn areas area Sunday night through Tuesday morning due to the threat of debris and mud flows.

    Evacuation warning areas include the Canyon, Bethany, Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Hurst, Franklin, and Bridge fires zones.

    The forecast for the coming week includes multiple days with rainfall.

    “On Monday, that’s going to be the most active day,” said NBC4 meteorologist Stephanie Olmo.

    This first storm is expected to be the heaviest with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains by late Monday.

    Rainfall is expected to decrease in intensity Monday night into Tuesday, though scattered showers could linger as colder air moves into the region.

    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. 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.

    Temperatures will drop beginning Monday with highs remaining in the mid-50s. 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.

    City News Service contributed to this report.

    Jonathan Lloyd

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  • Los Angeles issues evacuation warning for debris flow risk ahead of storm

    The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning Friday for areas at risk of possible debris flows as another storm system moves into Southern California on Saturday.

    The warning takes effect at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, and urges residents to prepare for potential evacuations in several fire-scarred zones, according to city officials.

    The affected areas include Los Angeles Fire Department zones LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096 and 1097, as well as zone 0891 in the Mandeville area.

    Additional zones under the warning include areas impacted by the Hurst Fire, identified as LFD 0001-B, and the Sunset Fire area, LFD-0835.

    Officials said heavy rainfall could trigger mud and debris flows, especially in recent burn areas. They urged residents to stay alert and be prepared to leave quickly if conditions worsen.

    Elizabeth Chavolla

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  • SoCal braces for another round of rain

    Another round of rain is expected to arrive on Friday afternoon and continue through next week, with the heaviest rainfall on Saturday.

    “We have a little bit of time, but then once again, we’re talking about another storm and then another storm after that,” said NBC4 meteorologist Stephanie Olmo.

    Olmo said that January is one of the wettest months for Southern California, and on average, the rainfall is usually about 3.25 inches.

    Isolated showers are expected to start developing on Friday afternoon, according to Olmo. Saturday is expected to have mostly cloudy skies and a few isolated showers, with the main band rolling around 8 or 9 a.m.

    Olmo said Ventura County will get the first of the rains, and it will then impact LA County by early afternoon, then move across Orange County and the Inland Empire.

    This incoming band of rain will be less, with most areas getting about an inch to an inch and a half of rain. The end-of year storm that rolled in on New Year’s Day brought more than 2 inches of rain to some areas.

    The New Year rain toppled trees and flooded streets across Southern California. Karma Dickerson reports for NBC4 at 5 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

    Temperatures are also expected to be in the low 60s in the coming days in the valleys and the Inland Empire.

    State and local officials have precautions in place for weather-related emergency response needs.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to pre-position fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud, and debris flows, including parts of Southern California, with a particular eye towards burn scar areas.

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated on Wednesday to coordinate preparedness measures and ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed.

    Bass added that the LAFD had augmented staffing of specialized resources that can assist with swift water rescues, mud and debris flows, and other rain-related issues with a specific focus in burn scar areas.

    Elizabeth Chavolla and City News Service

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  • Short-lived break from rain to make way for another storm in Southern California

    Mild conditions that gave Southern California a brief break from cold temperatures will soon dissipate as another storm brings more rain to the region to end the work week.

    Thursday marks the beginning of another system that will bring chilly temps, inclement weather and mountain snow to the Southland. It’s forecast to be the coldest day of the week before temperatures rise to the lower 70s beginning Sunday.

    “This is round three of three, so this is the last one,” NBC4 Meteorologist Shanna Mendiola said. “Lingering chance for Friday, as well, and then we’ve got a dry weekend overall with your holiday looking dry and mild.”

    According to Mendiola, the incoming storm will be short-lived, but it is expected to deliver more measurable rain to SoCal before it moves out of the region.

    “We’ve got a fast-moving one,” she said. “It’s cold, so that means some snow to the mountains and we’ve got pretty much similar conditions to what we had the other da,y where it just swept from west to east.”

    This system will pass with a cold front, which is what will cause frigid conditions across Southern California. Cloud coverage will gradually increase overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning before the rain creeps in.

    “It really doesn’t get wet until we get to mid-morning, so that’s when the rain starts moving to Ventura County first, sweeps into LA, then into the Inland Empire and Orange County in scattered fashion,” Mendiola said. “Chance of thunderstorms within this but it is so fast-moving and cold that the snow will start to accumulate in those mountains. It will continue through the evening, so you do look like you have a wet evening commute for tomorrow.”

    “And for Friday, you have a continued chance of scattered showers as the moisture wraps around the area of low pressure and continues to slowly make its way out of here,” Mendiola added.

    Karla Rendon

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  • Second wave of storm brings steady rain and flood threat into weekend. See the forecast

    What to Know

    • Bursts of heavy rainfall are in the forecast overnight and Saturday, when flash flood watches will be in effect for most of Los Angeles County and Southern California.
    • Evacuation warnings are in effect for communities near some burn scars, including near the Eaton Fire area in Altadena and the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset fire burn zones.
    • Showers will linger through the weekend with a chance of rain early next week.
    • Snow levels will start at 8,000 feet, lowering to 6,000 feet Thursday night into Friday.
    • Half of California is drought-free in mid-November with pockets of moderate to severe drought in Southern California.

    Widespread flood watches will be in effect overnight as the second wave of a mid-November storm unleashes steady rain in Southern California, raising the threat of flooding and debris flows in the region’s recent wildfire burn areas.

    Evacuation orders were in effect for some properties considered at high-risk for debris flows in the Palisades, Eaton and other fire zones. Evacuation warnings were in place for other burn areas, meaning residents should be prepared to leave.

    The system, which could also produce thunderstorms, hail and even small tornadoes, moved into Santa Barbara and Ventura counties Thursday night and brought scattered showers to Los Angeles County by early Friday morning. Rainfall was expected to intensify into the weekend with flood watches in effect overnight and through Saturday for parts of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

    Rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are possible, increasing the Saturday flood risk.

    Here’s what to know about the mid-November storm.

    Storm timeline

    • Overnight and early Saturday morning: Steady rain with increased threats for flooding and debris flows. Flood watches go into effect for a widespread area.
    • Midday Saturday: Rainfall rates reach their peaks with an increased chance for thunderstorms.
    • Saturday evening: Rainfall starts to wind down, but showers continue into the night.
    • Sunday: Lingering showers, but most areas will start to dry out.

    A separate, but less powerful, system appears on track to deliver more rain early next week.

    Temperatures will be in the 60s for most of the region. Strong wind gusts are possible.

    Rain and snowfall estimates

    • Most areas: 2 to 5 inches. Normal precipitation for November in downtown Los Angeles is 0.76 inches.
    • Mountains and foothills: 3 to 6 inches
    • Snow levels: Around 8,000 feet, lowering to 6,000 feet Thursday night into Friday. A few inches are possible at resort level.

    Rainfall estimates and the storm timeline might change, depending on the path of the storm.

    Evacuations

    On Friday morning, the city of Los Angeles said evacuation orders were issued for “select vulnerable properties within burn scar areas” beginning at 8 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the evacuation warnings that had been issued in the Pacific Palisades, especially areas near the burn scar zones, are now under evacuation orders “due to the increased risk of mud and debris flow.”

    “Recent burn areas, including those impacted by the January 7 wildfires, remain highly susceptible to mud and debris flows,” the city said in a statement. “Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant, monitor official weather updates, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm—especially if they have been advised of potential mudflow risks in their neighborhoods.”

    Los Angeles’ Emergency Operations Center will activate at 6 p.m. Thursday.

    Evacuation warnings also were issued Friday for parts of Ventura County.

    “If your home is within the impacted area, please evacuate before 8 p.m. tonight,” McDonnell said. “Take your family, pets, medications, important documents, and any essentials you may need.”

    Similarly, Los Angeles County updated the evacuation warnings to orders in Altadena, urging those who live in recent burn areas to leave their neighborhoods by 8 p.m. Friday. The evacuation order was expected to expire at 8 a.m. Sunday.

    Debris flow risk

    After months of mostly dry weather in Southern California, dry soil can quickly become over-saturated and unable to adequately absorb moisture. The result can be damaging mudslides and debris flows, which collect large rocks, trees, branches and other items as they move downhill, sometimes with alarming speed.

    In wildfire burn areas, the risk is higher. Burned soil repels water, meaning debris flows can be triggered with much less rainfall that areas with healthy vegetation.

    Road closures

    In the Palisades Fire area, Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive at 10 p.m. Thursday. Caltrans officials said motorists should expect the stretch to remain closed at least through the Friday morning commute, but potentially through the weekend, depending how the storm develops.

    That stretch of Topanga Canyon has been undergoing nightly repairs, with the road closed between midnight and 5 a.m.

    The California Drought Monitor map for Nov. 13, 2025.

    California drought update

    Moderate to severe drought was reported in pockets of Southern California with most of the state drought-free, according to Thursday’s Drought Monitor update.

    Nine percent of California was in severe drought, the second-least severe of the Monitor’s four drought categories. Areas include most of Orange County, western Riverside County and slivers of San Bernardino County.

    About 32 percent of the state was in moderate drought. Nearly 50 percent of California was drought-free.

    At this time last year 5 percent of the state was in severe drought with 17 percent in m moderate drought. Three months ago near the end of a hot and dry summer, 23 percent of the state was in severe drought with nearly 40 percent in severe drought.

    Jonathan Lloyd

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  • Thunderstorms are possible in Southern California’s mountains and deserts

    Thunderstorms are possible in Southern California’s mountains and deserts again Tuesday as temperatures cool slightly before another late-summer warmup.

    The desert and mountain storms could bring strong winds, lightning and rain a day after pop-up thunderstorms east and north of Los Angeles prompted a ground stop for some flights departing to Los Angeles International Airport. Over the weekend, several small wildfires sparked due to lightning strikes in Angeles National Forest and other mountain areas.

    Thunderstorms are possible in the Antelope Valley north of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast.

    Temperatures will dip slightly Tuesday, by 3 to 6 degrees from Monday, but a slow and steady warmup will build into the end of the week and through Labor Day weekend. Highs will reach the 90s and lower 100s for inland areas later this week.

    The remnants of Tropical Storm Juliette might bring scattered clouds Friday and a slight chance of thunderstorms in the mountains. Dry conditions are in the holiday weekend forecast.

    Tuesday’s forecast highs are 84 degrees in downtown Los Angeles, 77 in Santa Monica, 87 in Pasadena, 83 in Anaheim, 86 in Van Nuys and 93 in Lancaster.

    Monday afternoon’s ground stop for some departing flights to LAX was issued by the FAA as strong thunderstorms developed in the Antelope Valley. Severe storms also popped up in Riverside County and parts of San Diego County.

    Jonathan Lloyd

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  • Cloudy as we watch chances of rain and storms in parts of New England

    Our humidity increases a bit more today as the clouds return and highs reach the low to mid 80s, 70s across the Cape & islands. 

    Our high surf remains, and rip currents are still dangerous if you’re heading to the shore. 

    A cold front stalls across northern New England bringing a few showers and storms for parts of Vermont and New Hampshire.  For now we expect non-severe storms with gusty wind, rain, and lightning which is a danger to anyone out on a mountain hike in the northeast kingdom. 

    The cold front across northern New England will slowly sink south for Monday.  At the same time a low pressure system heads in from the south across the Cape & islands bringing heavy rain and thunder to the Cape & islands between midnight and 6 a.m. Monday.  Then this is pushed away and to the northeast by midday Monday as the cold front moves towards Boston.  Late afternoon isolated showers and storms are possible but most spots see no rain! 

    The fall pollen count remains high through this week as a result of the dry weather. 

    Next week looks dry with lower dewpoints and cool nights.  A touch of fall with highs in the 70s through the end of the week.  A brief chance for showers may move in Friday.  Labor Day weekend looks dry with temps in the 70s for now. 

    Tropical Storm Fernand  (pronounced as “fair-NAHN” according to the National Hurricane Center)  is about 300 miles southeast of Bermuda and will get kicked out to sea in the northern Atlantic early this week.   

    Pamela Gardner

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  • Record highs possible as an already warm week reaches peak heat in LA

    Record-breaking temperatures are possible late this week when already intense heats builds in Southern California, where parts of Los Angeles and other areas will be under extreme heat and red flag warnings.

    What authorities described as a severe heat event with days of temperatures in the upper 90s and well into the 100s will began Wednesday and will continue through the weekend.

    “This is dangerous heat headed for Southern California,” said NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon. “High pressure, which is warm, stable air, is starting to sneak into our area. It’s not going to budge anywhere.

    “We won’t see much relief until next week.”

    Heat illness risks usually reserved for desert areas will be more widespread, De Leon said. An extreme heat warning will be in place from 11 a.m. Thursday to 9 p.m. Saturday for most of the area.

    Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, with record temperatures possible in downtown Los Angeles, while Woodland Hills could hit 109 degrees.

    Overnight lows will remain warm.

    Ariel Cohen, of the National Weather Service, said heat events like this are rare, happening about once every two to four years.

    Fire weather warning

    A red flag warning of critical fire danger took effect at 9 a.m. Wednesday and will remain in place through 9 p.m. Saturday in the Santa Clarita
    Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills and the Golden State (5) and Antelope Valley (14) freeway corridors.

    The Los Angeles Fire Department said it is monitoring the forecast and making necessary preparations to meet emergency demands during the heat wave. LAFD added Crew 4, which is a team made up of 26 specially trained personnel who will respond to wildfires within and around the city.

    Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state had pre-deployed firefighting resources to Los Angeles County — totaling 10 fire engines, two water tenders,
    two bulldozers, one helicopter, two hand crews, thee dispatchers and one Incident Management Team.

    Mayor Karen Bass directed city personnel throughout Los Angeles to take all necessary steps to combat the conditions that will accompany the heat
    wave.

    “Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in a statement. “I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe.”

    Los Angeles city officials announced safety plans to beat the dangerous heat expected this week. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 at 4 p.m. on August 18, 2025.

    Widespread strong winds are not part of the forecast, but the extreme heat and dry brush are enough to raise the risk of fast-moving flames. Breezy conditions are possible in foothill areas and mountains.

    “The combination can change fire conditions rapidly,” interim Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Villanueva said.

    Mayor Karen Bass directed city personnel throughout Los Angeles to take all necessary steps to combat the conditions that will accompany the heat wave.

    “Ahead of expected high temperatures later this week, city departments are taking action to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in a statement. “I encourage Angelenos to stay cool, stay hydrated, check on neighbors, and know that resources are available citywide to help keep you safe.”

    Los Angeles city officials announced safety plans to beat the dangerous heat expected this week. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 at 4 p.m. on August 18, 2025.

    Heat health safety

    Los Angeles will also open augmented cooling centers throughout the city and hundreds of locations for relief from the heat. For locations and hours of operation, visit here.

    • Stay hydrated! The more hydrated you are, the more effective your body will be at keeping you cool. Drink water – not fizzy and alcoholic drinks, which will dehydrate you.
    • Avoid exercise in the middle of the day. If you need to exercise outside, do it early in the morning when the temperature is lower.
    • Wear lightweight, light-colored natural fabrics like cotton and linen, as these will help your skin breathe and let your sweat evaporate, cooling you down.
    • We sweat around half a pint daily from both feet (and we wonder why they stink!), so if you can, wear sandals or flip-flops to let your foot sweat evaporate.
    • Use a fan to circulate air from open windows. Keep your blinds or curtains drawn during the day, so your home doesn’t heat up while you’re out. Turn off big appliances and help prevent brown-outs!
    • To cool down quickly, run your wrists under a cold tap or keep a water spray in the fridge for a quick cooling spritz to the face.
    • Keep some wet wipes in your bag so you can freshen up your hands, face and neck if you get hot or clammy.
    • Want to stay cool at night? One way is to wash your feet in cool water or take a cold shower before bedtime – especially if you get hot during the night or have hot sweats.
    • To cool down in bed, try keeping your pillowcase or sheets in a plastic bag in the fridge during the day. Put them back on the bed at night. The fabric will stay cool when you’re trying to get to sleep.
    • And bring your pets in and make sure they have shade and water.
    • Be prepared for power outages and know where cooling centers are!

    City News Service contributed to this report.

    Jonathan Lloyd

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  • Excessive heat expected through next week across SoCal

    Excessive heat expected through next week across SoCal

    The heat is on again for much of Southern California, thanks to another high-pressure system, with temperatures expected to slowly rise throughout the weekend and into next week.

    Potentially “dangerous and significant heat risks across the interior” are anticipated by Sunday or Monday, and continuing “through most of next week,” National Weather Service forecasters said. Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the warmest days.

    Another excessive heat watch will take effect Sunday morning in the Antelope Valley and remain in place until Tuesday night, with temperatures possibly reaching as high as 107 degrees. Excessive heat watches will also be in effect for the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys, where the mercury could rise to 103, and in the San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley foothills and 5 and 14 Freeway corridors, where highs are expected around 100.

    A heat advisory has also been issued for the Santa Ana mountains and foothill regions in Orange County from 10 a.m. Saturday until 11 p.m. Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from the mid-90s to 102 in the forecast.

    As usual, the coast will be the best place to avoid the heat, with temperatures only rising about one to three degrees above normal, according to the NWS.

    City News Service

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  • SoCal to get brief break from rain before next storm rolls in next weekend

    SoCal to get brief break from rain before next storm rolls in next weekend

    The first storm of the spring season was expected to move on from the Southland after Sunday, clearing the way for a cloudy but dry week before heavier rainfall returns next weekend.

    National Weather Service forecasters described this weekend’s rain and snow as “a very modest system at best with regard to rainfall amounts.”

    However, the weather service issued severe thunderstorm warnings Sunday afternoon for central Los Angeles County, and thunderstorms and hail were reported over Alhambra and near West Covina.

    On Saturday, Lancaster Airport set a record for the date with .53 inches of rain, breaking the record of .39 inches set in 1995, according to the NWS.

    “A lingering storm system will continue a cold and unsettled weather pattern into Sunday,” the NWS said. “Scattered showers with isolated thunderstorms are possible with snow levels lowering to as low as 3,500 feet. West to northwest winds will continue to strengthen through Sunday evening as a tight northerly pressure difference develops across the state.

    “Warmer and drier weather is expected for early week, then another storm system, potentially heavy rainfall, is possible for next weekend.”

    A spring storm resulted in LA hail, thunderstorm and first responders saving a woman who somehow ended up in the water of the LA River in Studio City. Anastassia Olmos reports for the NBC4 News on March 24, 2024.

    The weather service said rainfall totals through Sunday night will generally be 0.25 inches or less for most areas, but the northern mountain slopes could get near 1 inch.

    Wind advisories were in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday in the downtown and west Los Angeles area, and from 4 p.m. Sunday until 3 a.m. Monday in the Santa Clarita Valley, where gusts up to 40 mph were expected. The Antelope Valley was expected to see gusts of 45 mph Sunday afternoon, possibly increasing to 65 mph Sunday night.

    Sunday’s highs were in the 50s and lower 60s. Overnight lows were expected to drop into the 30s in the mountains and high desert.

    “The very cold air mass for this time of year is supporting snow levels already down to between 3,000 and 4,000 feet per the Vandenberg radar with snow also reported at the Sandberg (4,500 ft elevation) sensor in the northwest LA mountains with a temperature of 34 degrees,” the NWS said.

    A woman was safely pulled out of the LA River in Studio City.

    City News Service

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  • Mountain snow, scattered showers in store for SoCal. Here’s your First Alert Forecast timeline

    Mountain snow, scattered showers in store for SoCal. Here’s your First Alert Forecast timeline

    High-elevation mountains in Southern California are likely to get several inches of snow as rain douses the rest of the region over the weekend.

    A mild storm described by NBC4 Meteorologist David Biggar as bringing rain that will be “light with occasional moderate pockets mixed in” is aiming for the region. According to Biggar’s forecast, the timeline of the system is as follows:

    • 7 a.m. Saturday — Rain in northern areas like Ojai and the high desert
    • 10 a.m. Saturday – More widespread rain with it reaching Malibu, parts of the San Fernando Valley and possible snow in the San Gabriel Valley mountains and Big Bear
    • 11 a.m. Saturday – Showers may reach metro Los Angeles, Pomona, Hemet and the South Bay
    • 3 p.m. Saturday – Heavy cloud coverage in the afternoon but some areas may see pockets of sunshine. Rain will be more scattered and heading east.
    • 6 p.m. – even less rain with continued cloud coverage

    “As we go through the day for Saturday, we really will just be looking at some hit-or-miss light rainfall,” Biggar said.

    This system isn’t expected to bring significant rainfall like SoCal experienced in February.

    “We’re thinking most spots will pick up about a quarter of an inch to maybe an inch of rain on the upper end of things, but most spots will probably be about a quarter of an inch to half an inch of rain.”

    SoCal Snow

    The National Weather Service issued a couple of alerts due to wintry weather associated with the incoming story.

    A winter storm warning has been issued for parts of the San Gabriel Valley mountains, Big Bear and Riverside County mountains while the Ventura County mountains are under a winter weather advisory.

    Elevations above 6,500 feet may get 6 to 12 inches of snow and might experience gusts of up to 65 mph

    “Maybe the Grapevine (during early Sunday) starting to get some snowfall, so we’ll be watching closely for early Sunday morning,” Biggar said. “But, the remainder of Sunday actually looks relatively dry.”

    Karla Rendon

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  • City of LA braces for second February storm

    City of LA braces for second February storm

    The city of Los Angeles outlined preparations Saturday for the approaching storm, which is forecast to drop bursts of moderate to heavy rain on already soggy Southern California in the coming week.

    Mayor Karen Bass reported on the city’s comprehensive measures in place to manage the effects of the winter storm.

    “We have been working diligently to recover from the storm that hit us earlier this month by covering potholes, protecting saturated land and more. Now, we must remain prepared for the additional rainfall coming to Los Angeles in the coming days,” Bass said.

    “Our region has seen significant rainfall in recent weeks, which puts us at an increased risk of additional mudslides and power outages, so Angelenos, please stay prepared and stay off of the roads during the rain,” the mayor said. “We know the severe impact that weather can have on our roads and communities, and we are making sure Los Angeles is prepared and informed on behalf of our residents, including the unhoused Angelenos living on our streets, to get through this storm.”

    To help more unhoused people get out of the rain, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Homelessness Solutions will make more hotel vouchers available than previously planned, and outreach workers began late this week to offer help with a particular focus on areas such as the Los Angeles River and Sepulveda Basin, where there is extreme flooding, Bass said. People who need to access services can dial 211.

    Doctors warn the public about Valley fever which is caused by spores of the fungus ‘coccidioides’ that live in the soil and can thrive after a rainy season. Gordon Tokumatsu reports for the NBC4 News on Feb. 15, 2024.

    The Department of Water and Power, police and fire departments were preparing to respond to flooding, mudslides, downed power lines, fallen trees and lightning strikes. The department warned people to use caution around downed or dangling wires or poles and always assume they are live, and to avoid touching them. People were urged to call 911 to report down or dangling wires.

    The Department of Building and Safety conducted grading assessments on mudslide-prone private property to identify risks and prepare with owners to manage mud and debris while city crews have installed sandbags and K-rails as needed, Bass said.

    L.A. Animal Services had rescue teams ready to help evacuate and rescue animals. Pet owners were encouraged to make sure pets are inside during heavy rainfall, they are micro-chipped and wearing ID tags.

    Life-threatening emergencies can be reported through 911. Angelenos can request help with less-urgent roadway flooding, tree limbs blocking roadways or mudslides by dialing 311 or by going online. People who want to receive local alerts about roadway closures, flooding and other storm impacts can register for NotifyLA.

    City News Service

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  • Slippery morning commute as SoCal storm brings flooding, measurable rain to the region

    Slippery morning commute as SoCal storm brings flooding, measurable rain to the region


    What to Know

    • Several evacuation warnings and orders were issued in counties across Southern California.
    • There will be little relief from the inclement weather as the slow-moving storm will continue to dump generous amounts of rainfall through Monday.
    • Elevations of 6,500 feet and above may get 2-to-4 feet of snow in the mountains. Travelers are advised against going to the mountains due to low visibility and treacherous conditions.

    A slow-moving storm powered by an atmospheric river will make for a wet morning commute on Monday as widespread rain will drench Southern California for much of the day.

    Already the winter storm has delivered measurable rain to the region, and it isn’t finished quite yet. The inclement weather will continue to batter SoCal with strong showers and mountain snow at high elevations.

    Monday’s commute is slated to be a challenging one with localized flooding, downed trees and the possibility of downed powerlines. Motorists are urged to take extra caution on the road and take their time getting to their destination.

    “As you wake up tomorrow morning, certainly allow for some extra time,” NBC4 forecaster Melissa Magee warned.

    That rain isn’t going anywhere and may even impact the evening commute.

    “The concentration shifts on onto the east across areas in eastern LA County as well as Orange County and San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and it’s very good for a good portion of the morning,” Magee said. “We’ve got that rain concentrated over the same area before we get into Monday night.”

    Timeline for the rain in SoCal

    While the storm takes its time passing through Southern California, the timeline for the forecast is as follows:

    • 4 a.m. – still widespread across most of SoCal, but likely clear around Oxnard for a break
    • 10 a.m. – clearing a bit above Malibu for a break and remains widespread across the region
    • 2 p.m. – rain will begin to creep back into Oxnard and Malibu as it drenches everything east and south to those areas
    • 6 p.m. – widespread with a possible break around Santa Clarita before it moves back in around 7 p.m.

    Significant rainfall may fall in the mountains and those showers will likely trickle down to the basin.

    “Some of the rain rates across the mountain spots might actually be into half-an-inch to an inch per hour rate,” said NBCLA forecaster David Biggar said. “All that water’s got to go somewhere, that’s why we have the high risk for some flooding.”

    Most areas of SoCal can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of rain, while the foothills and low-elevation mountains may face 6 to 12 inches. Mountain elevations of 6,500 feet may get 2-to-4 feet of snow. Visibility will be reduced at these elevations, so travelers are advised against going to these areas.

    LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said schools will remain open amid the winter storm, saying the district is an “essential service” to its students that must continue to provide for them. Jonathan Gonzalez reports for the NBC4 News on Feb. 4, 2024.

    How to prepare for the rain

    According to NBC4 meteorologist Belen de Leon, here are some tips on how to prep for the storm:

    • Change travel plans to avoid dangerous roads
    • Fill and place sandbags in vulnerable areas
    • Move parked cars out of flood-prone, low-lying areas
    • Charge up batteries and phones in case of power outages
    • Secure any loose objects outside
    • Change plans involving boating over open waters
    • Get extra supplies and gas in mountains, residents might be stranded for days

    Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office issued a state of emergency for Southern California counties in the storm’s path.

    February is typically the wettest month of the year in Los Angeles with downtown LA averaging 3.64 inches of rain for the month. This multi-day storm is expected to bring that amount and possibly more over a 24- to 48-hour period and rival some of the highest rain totals from last year, including the nearly 3 inches of rain produced over two days by the remnants of Tropical Storm Hillary in August.

    “If you are not home already, please get home and stay home,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday afternoon.

    The significant rainfall threat led to evacuation warnings that went into effect for some flood- and slide-prone areas. Those included the La Tuna Canyon area in the Los Angeles’ northern San Fernando Valley.

    “Because it’s moving slow, that is the cause for that flooding potential we’ll see here in Southern California,” said NBCLA forecaster Shanna Mendiola.

    A winter storm batters Santa Barbara, forcing the city to close its beaches and warn residents to stay safe. Karma Dickerson reports for the NBC4 News on Feb. 4, 2024.

    Resources for unhoused residents

    Those who are unhoused can head to several winter shelter locations that have opened in Los Angeles. Those who need transportation to the shelters can call 211 for assistance.

    The following locations are open for residents who are experiencing homelessness:

    • Mid Valley Senior Citizen Center — 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City, Calif. 91402
    • Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center — 2323 Workman St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90031
    • South LA Sports Activity Center — 7020 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90003
    • Oakwood Recreation Center — 767 California Ave., Venice, Calif. 90291

    Safety officials urged unhoused residents to stay away from riverbeds as water levels were expected to rise amid the rainfall.

    Impact on schools

    Despite the heavy rain, LAUSD schools will remain open, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced Sunday. Vinedale College Preparatory Academy in Sun Valley, which was under an evacuation warning, was set to close on Monday, however. Its students and staff were being moved to Glenwood Elementary.

    California State University announced its campuses in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Fullerton will be remote on Monday. CSU Dominguez Hills canceled all classes and in-person activities for Monday, it said in a text sent to students and staff.

    Pepperdine University announced classes would be canceled on Monday due to the storm. Graduate schools would communicate with students if their classes will be remote.

    Flood warnings and advisories in Southern California

    Click here for severe weather alerts throughout Southern California.

    Most of Los Angeles County was under at flash flood warning Sunday night.

    A flash flood warning was issued for the Ventura River at Foster Park through late Monday morning. Residents can expect flooding at Terro Ranch upstream of the Main Street bridge in Ventura.

    A flood watch will go into effect Sunday for inland Orange County and parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 

    High wind warnings and coastal flood advisories were in effect for the LA and Ventura county coasts. A less severe wind advisory was in effect for inland LA County and downtown Los Angeles.



    Staff Reports

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  • Heavy rain, mountain snow slated to hit SoCal this weekend. Here’s what to know about the storm

    Heavy rain, mountain snow slated to hit SoCal this weekend. Here’s what to know about the storm


    Make sure to have your umbrella handy and take your time on the roads this weekend; a second storm system is taking aim for Southern California and is slated to bring more rain than the one from earlier this week.

    Saturday will have heavy cloud coverage but it will still be possible to enjoy the break in showers since the inclement weather is forecast to arrive late at night.

    “I think we’ll stay dry for much of the day until we get to the overnight hours,” NBC4 Meteorologist David Biggar said.

    Although it is still unclear exactly when the rain will arrive, the first bit of showers are expected to creep into the Oxnard area sometime Saturday evening. Once early Sunday begins, however, the rain is slated to be more widespread across the region.

    “We definitely think we’re going to get the heaviest rainfall in the Sunday timeframe, possibly lingering into early Monday,” Biggar continued in his forecast.

    He added that significant rainfall may douse the mountains and those showers will likely trickle down to the basin.

    With SoCal’s storm weather, you might be wondering what these terms mean. Shanna Mendiola explains Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

    “Some of the rain rates across the mountain spots might actually be into half-an-inch to an inch per hour rate,” Biggar said. “All that water’s got to go somewhere, that’s why we have the high risk for some flooding.”

    Most areas of SoCal can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of rain, while the foothills and low-elevation mountains may face 6 to 12 inches. Mountain elevations of 6,500 feet may get several feet of snow.

    Rain is slated to last possibly into Monday.

    “The highest flash flooding risk for Sunday will likely be across Ventura County, extending partly into LA County, but you’ll notice that the risk increases as we get into Monday for a much larger portion of the region.”

    As the city of Los Angeles prepares for a storm, LAUSD school leaders will send updates regarding weather delays and school access, and Caltrans crews will monitor flood-prone areas. Alex Rozier reports for the NBC4 News on Feb. 2, 2024.



    Karla Rendon

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  • Rain, snow, winds returning to SoCal. Here’s what to know

    Rain, snow, winds returning to SoCal. Here’s what to know


    A winter storm fueled by an atmospheric river is approaching Southern California, bringing rain, snow and gusty winds to the region for the Thursday morning drive.

    Showers will begin to douse parts of Ventura County Wednesday night, then the main rain event will arrive during the early morning hours with some areas forecast to see moderate to heavy rain fall.

    Making morning commutes more complicated, rain can possibly cause flooding on streets and freeways, especially those with poor drainage. A flood watch will likely go into effect Thursday morning in the Inland Empire and Orange County areas.

    Gusty winds may create dangerous situations as well with a high wind watch that is set to go into effect Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon. Some parts of the Inland Empire and Orange County could see gusts up to 45 mph.

    The windy conditions mixed with heavy moisture could lead to tree damage and create hazardous conditions for high-profile vehicles on the road, particularly through the Grapevine.

    By Thursday afternoon, the rain system will gradually move out of the region, bringing scatters showers. Friday may see some light showers, but by Saturday, dry but cloudy conditions are forecast for the area.

    The total rainfall will be the heaviest in the Santa Monica Mountains and foothill areas with 1 to 3 inches of rain.

    A look at what to expect from an early February storm.

    For this storm system, the snow levels will fall from 7000 feet to 4000 feet, bringing over a foot of fresh snow to ski resorts. San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains may see 5 to 8 inches of snow while San Gabriel mountains will likely get light snow of 3 inches.

    The storm is fueled by an atmospheric river, a long and wide band of moisture in the sky over the ocean that carries water from tropical regions. Atmospheric rivers have contributed to some of the wettest winters on record in California.

    The February storms arrive the same week as California’s second manual snowpack survey of the season, which showed conditions remain far below normal. Statewide mountain snowpack, a key factor in drought conditions in California, was just over half the normal average for this time of year.

    The state remained drought-free in the U.S. Drought Monitor Report released last week.



    Helen Jeong

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