With the governor issuing a state of emergency for Southern California, forecasters urged Los Angeles, Orange County, and western Inland Empire area residents to stay off freeways and other roads Sunday evening through Monday morning, as a potentially life-threatening, slow-moving multiple-day storm is expected to stall over the region.
Flooding could be “catastrophic” during heavy rainfall in Orange County and inland cities including Corona, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino, National Weather Service forecaster Adam Roser warned.
Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed the state of emergency for eight local counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.
“California: this is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts,” Newsom said. “Please pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials.”
After a rain prelude Sunday afternoon, “very heavy” rainfall was expected from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday in the Los Angeles area, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall, around 4-8 inches is anticipated there until midnight on Tuesday, before turning into more moderate rain the rest of the day.
Mountain and foothill areas could see up to 8-14 inches – and possibly 15 inches of rain throughout that window.
“That’s a lot of water, people,” NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell said in a briefing on Sunday. “We’re just expecting a lot of freeway flooding and road flooding, road closures. There will be a lot of flooding of parked cars … just a real mess.”
Here are the latest details on the upcoming storm. This is a DANGEROUS SYSTEM with major risks to life and property. Substantial flooding. Residents should heed any evacuation orders. Stay off the roads, especially the freeways, this afternoon through at least Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/z7uVIvKMAN
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 4, 2024
Those who can work remotely should do that, or at least…
Read the full article here