Southern California is preparing for a significant wave of storms beginning Monday, with the National Weather Service predicting heavy rain, high elevation snow, and the potential for hail and tornadoes. The peak of this storm system is expected to occur from Monday through Wednesday, creating hazardous conditions for outdoor activities.
As the weather worsens, residents are being advised to stay indoors. “Conditions are expected to be unusually hazardous,” warned forecasters. Soumada Khan from FOX 11 highlighted concerns over possible thunderstorms, hail, and even tornado activity due to the energy associated with the storm system.
The Los Angeles Fire Department is taking precautionary measures by issuing evacuation warnings for areas affected by fire burn scars, including the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset zones from 9 p.m. Sunday until 9 a.m. Tuesday. In anticipation of the intense weather, Los Angeles County has also announced proactive road closures to ensure safety. Mountain roads, including sections of Angeles Forest Highway and Big Tujunga Canyon Road, will close starting Monday at 10 a.m. and remain in effect until it is safe for crews to clear debris.
The storm’s timeline is crucial for residents to understand. Rain is expected to start intensifying on Monday morning, reaching up to 100% chances during the afternoon commute. Thunderstorms may be prevalent throughout the day. Following this, while rainfall intensity may ease by Tuesday morning, forecasts indicate that conditions will remain wet, with increased rainfall expected again Tuesday night into Wednesday.
In terms of precipitation amounts, the National Weather Service estimates rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches along coastal regions and in the valleys, with higher totals of 4 to 8 inches expected in mountain areas.
Looking ahead, there is a glimmer of hope as the system is expected to clear by the weekend. “We’ve got a window of opportunity to dry up this weekend, with more sunshine anticipated for Friday and into the weekend,” Khan stated.
As Southern California braces for this stormy week, residents are encouraged to take precautions and stay informed about weather developments that may impact their safety and travel plans.