Overview: A Potent Atmospheric River Slams Southern California
An aggressive atmospheric river swept into Southern California in the early hours of Tuesday, delivering scattered downpours, powerful winds, and a cascade of safety warnings. From burn scars that blanket Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset fire areas to the Central Coast near Pismo Beach, the storm has authorities issuing evacuation warnings and urging residents to stay alert for debris flows and flash floods.
Why This Event Feels Different
Forecasters describe the system as a rare and potent atmospheric river capable of delivering intense rainfall in a short period. John Dumas, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted rainfall rates approaching 1 to 1.5 inches per hour in burn scar regions. Burned soils repel water, increasing the risk of rapid runoff and debris slides that can threaten homes, roads, and utilities.
What Regions Are At Highest Risk
The burn scars from recent wildfires—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset—are under elevated risk for debris flows should downpours intensify. A flash flood warning is in effect for the Palisades area and the surrounding Malibu burn scars, with the Franklin fire burn scar also in the warning envelope. Across Los Angeles County, authorities warned that heavy rain could trigger mudslides and rockslides along canyon roads.
Flash Floods and Thunderstorms
A flash flood watch covers most of the county through Tuesday afternoon, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated in the morning hours. A severe thunderstorm warning affected parts of west central Los Angeles County, with the potential for hail and 60 mph wind gusts that could damage roofs, siding, and trees. Drivers were urged to avoid water-covered roadways.
Roads, Travel, and Practical Safety Tips
Roadway flooding has been reported in multiple counties, including along the 101, I-5, and local arterial streets. In some areas, rockfalls and mud on rural routes like San Francisquito Road created additional hazards. Authorities warned residents to seek shelter indoors during torrential downpours and to avoid driving through flooded streets. If you must travel, allow extra time and monitor traffic updates and amber alerts.
What to Expect Through Tuesday
The National Weather Service expects total rainfall to range from 0.75 to 1.5 inches in coastal and valley areas, with heavier totals—2 to 4 inches—forecast for foothill and mountain regions. Temperatures are expected to fall several degrees below normal as the system moves through the region, with conditions gradually drying by Wednesday evening as drying and warmer winds return.
Preparedness and Local Response
Local agencies have pre-deployed response teams, including a 22-member strike team and multiple rescue crews, to address potential debris flows and flooding. Sandbag distribution and door-to-door warnings in burn scar areas were part of the readiness efforts. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org and heed evacuation advisories without delay, as debris flows can escalate quickly and complicate emergency access.
What’s Next for Northern California and the Bay Area
The colder, wintry portion of the storm moved through Northern and Central California, dropping snow in the Sierra and prompting travel delays at San Francisco International Airport. By the time Southern California experiences its peak rain, the Bay Area and the interior will have seen the storm pass, though lingering showers may persist in some regions through midweek.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed
With the storm’s peak rainfall aligning with morning commutes, residents in burn scar zones should assume the potential for dangerous debris flows and flash floods. Stay indoors during heavy downpours, avoid canyon roads, and keep household emergency supplies ready. As officials emphasize, evacuation warnings are issued to protect lives, and once debris flows begin, it may be too late for responders to reach you.
