SoCal faces its coldest storm of the year Thursday–Saturday, bringing the potential for 4 inches of rain and flooding threats in burn-scar areas.
A cold storm is moving south from the Gulf of Alaska and is set to reach Southern California by Thursday night and linger through Saturday, with possible showers lasting until Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
CBS LA meteorologists are calling it the coldest storm of the year, and the station has issued a Next Weather Alert for Thursday and Friday.
Forecasters warn of heavy rain, gusty winds and a 10-20% chance of thunderstorms on Friday across all counties. Metropolitan areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties could see 1-2 inches of rain, while mountains and foothills could possibly get 2-4 inches.
“As for rain rates, sticking with the previous forecast of widespread rain rates between a quarter and half inch per hour and locally as much as 0.75/hr,” said the National Weather Service, making flood watches possible if those rain rates hold.
With that intensity, officials caution that flood watches could be posted if the forecast holds.
Residents, specifically those in burn scar areas from recent fires, are urged to monitor emergency alerts due to the risk of debris flow, flooded roads, and rapidly changing conditions.
Plan for a wet end to this week, stay on the lookout for alerts on Thursday and Friday and avoid flood-prone routes as the coldest storm of the year rolls through.