The recent storm in Southern California has brought a deluge of rain, with a flood watch issued for much of Los Angeles County through Friday morning, and a flash flood watch in effect for eastern Riverside County and Imperial County. The National Weather Service has warned of the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even a small tornado as the storm continues to batter the region.
As the rain continues to fall, there is a concern for landslides, with rainfall rates of half an inch per hour or more capable of triggering such events. However, not all areas will experience such intense rainfall, but those that do could witness flooding and hazardous conditions. The storm is expected to bring significant amounts of precipitation, with some models indicating a 10-20% chance of rain falling at 1 inch per hour in certain areas.
The unpredictable nature of the storm is due to its unique formation as a "cut-off low," which has caused the storm system to deviate from the typical pattern and bring uncharacteristic weather to Southern California. Forecasters have noted that the storm will likely bring gusty winds from the east on Friday, potentially causing delays at Los Angeles International Airport.
Despite the disruption caused by the storm, the rainfall has been a welcome relief for the region after a dry start to the water year. Many areas have already surpassed their average rainfall for this time of year, with Santa Barbara Airport recording its wettest November since records began in 1941. Downtown Los Angeles has also seen significant rainfall, making this one of the wettest Novembers in decades.
The heavy rain has helped to mitigate the risk of wildfires in Southern California, as it takes around 3 to 4 inches of rain in the lower elevations to effectively end the high fire season. Experts are optimistic that the region will be better prepared to resist fire-whipping Santa Ana winds this autumn, thanks to the recent precipitation.
Looking ahead, the storm is not expected to bring snow to the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway, providing some relief for commuters. While showers may persist into Saturday morning in parts of L.A. County, the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend is expected to be dry but cool, with temperatures gradually rising.
In summary, the recent storm in Southern California has brought much-needed rain to the region, leading to flooding concerns and potential hazards. Despite the disruptions, the rainfall has helped alleviate the risk of wildfires and set a positive trajectory for the remainder of the water year. As the storm continues to move through the area, residents are urged to stay vigilant and be prepared for changing weather conditions.