People view the Los Angeles River swollen by storm runoff as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continues to impact Southern California on February 5, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
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Mario Tama
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Getty Images North America
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Much of Southern California is under a flood watch as another multi-day winter storm heads toward our already rain-soaked region starting today, bringing what the National Weather Service is calling "a significant risk of flooding, as well as mudslides and landslides."
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to hit Los Angeles County as early as Sunday evening and continue on and off until Wednesday morning.
Ventura County and areas northward like Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo are expected to get more and harder rainfall, but NWS meteorologist David Gomberg said Los Angeles County should not let down its guard.
"[L.A. County is] probably not going to be the winner this time in terms of overall rain, but certainly you could see impact because of those higher intensity rates," Gomberg said. "And really keep in mind, it's not going to take much rain to cause major problems down in Los Angeles County because you have greater vulnerability in those areas, especially up in the Santa Monica [Mountains] and the Hollywood Hills."
This latest storm, expected to clear out by Wednesday, comes on the heels of back-to-back atmospheric rivers that brought record rain and caused widespread damage to the Los Angeles region, including numerous landslides in the area.
Gomberg also warned of coastal flooding, particularly in Santa Barbara and Malibu on Tuesday morning.
Mayor Karen Bass has announced a number of measures to prepare for this storm, including extending the operating hours of 311 on Sunday and Monday until 10:00 p.m. She said multiple agencies from the Los Angeles Police Department to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are on standby to provide assistance.
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Courtesy NWS
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Evacuations and closures
Santa Barbara County
Evacuation warnings have been issued for these areas. Find out more here.
Properties along waterways associated with the Thomas, Cave and Alisal burn areas.
Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Dr. down to parts of Ninos Dr., in the city of Santa Barbara.
Properties in the vicinity of Mission Creek, from Cota St. down to Highway 101 and between Chapala St. and Castillo St., in the city of Santa Barbara
Areas of concern
These areas around recent burn scars could experience moderate mudflow and debris deposition. Find out more here.
City of Duarte
The natural canyons including Melcanyon Road and Deerlane Drive.
La Tuna Canyon
Within McDonald Canyon, Del Arroyo Drive, and La Tuna Canyon Road.
Agua Dulce
Soledad Canyon Rd., and the burned hillsides below
Topanga Canyon
Santa Maria Rd., and the burned hillsides below
Forecast
Widespread rain is expected throughout the region starting tonight, and won't clear out until at least Wednesday morning. The heaviest rain is expected in Ventura County and northward, but the storm still brings threats of flooding, landslides and mudslides to Greater Los Angeles.
The National Weather Service said Friday afternoon:
"An extended storm Sun-Wed will likely bring periods of heavy rain, mountain snow, strong winds, flooding and possible power outages. Flood Watch in effect for portions of all 4 counties, Sun PM-Wed AM."
2 - 5 inches of rain, up to 8 inches in the foothills and mountains
Several feet of snow possible above 7000 ft
High surf and coastal flooding possible
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Courtesy NWS
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What you should be on the lookout for
Residents in mountain, canyon and coastal areas should prepare for debris flows and flooding over the next week.
Those in landslide prone areas like the Palos Verdes Peninsula should be on the lookout for indications of land movement, including the formation of new cracks, the fracturing of underground utilities, doors and windows falling out of plumb and sounds of creaks and groans coming from the ground.
Flood advisories are how the NWS begins to raise the alarm. The goal is to give people enough time to take action.
Flood watches are your indicators to get prepared to move.
Aflood warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. When one is issued for your area, you need to get to higher ground immediately.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is coming or in progress. Flash floods are sudden and violent floods that can start within minutes.
If you're in L.A. County and need sand bags you can find some at local fire houses.
Staying safe when the winds are high
Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they may pose a significant fire hazard.
If you’re in a vehicle with a fallen power line on it, stay in the vehicle and remain calm until help arrives. It is OK to use your cellphone to call 911. If you must leave the vehicle, remember to exit away from downed power lines and exit by jumping from the vehicle and landing with both feet together. You must not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Then proceed away from the vehicle by shuffling and not picking up your feet until you are several yards away.
Water and electricity don’t mix. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Do not step in or enter any water that a downed power line may be touching.
Do not use any equipment inside that is designed for outdoor heating or cooking. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into it, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.
Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep food as fresh as possible. Place blocks of ice inside to help keep food cold. Check food carefully for signs of spoilage.
Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone is safe.
Tips on staying warm
State law requires residential units to have heating systems that can keep indoor temperatures at a minimum of 70 degrees. That means every dwelling unit and guest room offered for rent or lease should offer heating equipment, usually central air conditioning (A/C) or a wall heater. — Caitlin Hernández
Use heat smartly to save money: Cranking things like the A/C and wall heaters can be expensive. If money is tight, be judicious about how and when you use your utilities. For example, only use heaters at night or only set the thermostat to around 70 degrees.
Open and close those vents: If you have central A/C, look at where the vents are around your home. Are any open in places where you don’t stay long? Practice opening and closing those so warm air only goes where you need it (most vents should have a small toggle lever). Humidifiers can also help you warm things up — and it’s useful to add moisture into our dry air.
Adjust your wall heaters: If you have a wall heater, you can change the output by adjusting the knob (usually at the bottom). Since wall heaters can only warm the areas where they’re placed, it’s essential to close doors to rooms you won’t be in so hot air doesn’t get wasted.
Turn on your ceiling fan (really): If you have a ceiling fan, try turning it on. This sounds counterintuitive, but there’s science behind it. The direction a fan turns can push air in different directions, and since hot air floats up, you’ll want to move that around. Your fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft to circulate. Not all fans will have this option, though.
This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.
Your questions or ideas
What questions do you have about the atmospheric river?
A major storm system is coming to Southern California. We're here to answer your questions.
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