In brief
An intense atmospheric river system is currently affecting Southern California, leading to heavy rainfall and flood warnings across the region. The National Weather Service has reported rainfall rates of up to an inch per hour, particularly in coastal areas prone to flash flooding. With more than four inches of rain already recorded in Santa Barbara County and further precipitation expected, evacuation orders have been issued for high-risk properties near recent burn areas. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors due to the potential for debris flows and hazardous conditions.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An unusually strong storm system known as an atmospheric river is currently unleashing heavy rains on Southern California, prompting flood warnings in locations that have recently suffered from wildfires. On Saturday, the National Weather Service reported rainfall rates reaching up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) per hour in coastal regions prone to flash flooding.The storm approached Los Angeles after dropping over four inches of rain in coastal Santa Barbara County on Friday, accompanied by strong winds that led the National Weather Service to advise residents to remain indoors.As the lengthy plume of tropical moisture formed over the Pacific Ocean, it began affecting the San Francisco Bay Area mid-week and subsequently moved south to Southern California on Friday and Saturday. Predictions indicate that some areas in the Sierra Nevada may see over a foot of snow from this significant weather event.Flood warnings are currently in effect from the Ventura County coast through Malibu and into the City of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the potential danger on social media, announcing that an Evacuation Warning remains in effect for areas adjacent to recent burn scars. Some properties deemed vulnerable are now under mandatory Evacuation Orders.These evacuation orders, enacted for specific high-risk sites in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas, were issued from Friday evening to Sunday morning. Local law enforcement will be deployed in these regions to encourage residents to evacuate as necessary.
