CALIFORNIA - A powerful storm system is expected to sweep across Southern California late Monday through Wednesday, bringing widespread rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for hail and brief tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of the region, warning that heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding and debris flows, particularly around recent burn scars in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas.
Rainfall totals are forecast to range from three-quarters of an inch to 1½ inches in coastal and valley areas, with up to 3½ inches possible in foothill and mountain regions, according to the Los Angeles Times. Severe thunderstorms are also possible across San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, with a smaller but notable chance in Los Angeles County. Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph in some areas.
Officials are mobilizing resources ahead of the system, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing the pre-positioning of response crews, helicopters, and equipment throughout the region. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city departments are prepared to respond to any impacts. Further north, the Central Coast and Sierra are expected to receive multiple inches of rain and feet of snow, making travel difficult in areas including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks.
Forecasters are also tracking the storm’s movement farther north, where the North-Central Coast is expected to see the first significant rainfall of the season beginning Monday afternoon, according to Weather Mission. Totals are projected to reach between 1 and 2 inches through Tuesday night, with widespread rain expected across communities including Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville, and Salinas. Morning lows are forecast in the upper 40s to mid-50s along the coast and mid-30s to upper 40s inland, with daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 70s. By midweek, high pressure is expected to return, bringing clearing skies and a rebound to near-average temperatures by Friday.
Looking further ahead, another system may arrive late Sunday, bringing a second round of notable rainfall through Tuesday before conditions warm and dry out again midweek. While confidence in the extended outlook remains lower, forecasters are also watching the potential for a cooldown and additional storm activity around Oct. 27, which could prolong the wet pattern for the region. Localized impacts could include travel delays, slick roadways, and increased runoff in low-lying areas and fields.
Keep checking ANUK for the latest weather impacts.
