Homes along Scenic Drive in Dana Point last week after a landslide brought tons of rock and soil crashing into the sea. Authorities will be keeping close watch on these properties and other areas battered by recent rains as a new storm rolls into Southern California.
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David McNew
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Getty Images
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The latest winter storm to arrive in the region isn't expected to bring the same record-breaking amount of rainfall to Los Angeles as the atmospheric river earlier this month, but the lengthy system still poses major risks to the area.
"Los Angeles County may not be as favored as far as the overall rain totals and rain intensities," said David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "However, we are still very concerned about the impacts there in terms of flooding and mudslides — just because of the antecedent conditions present with the heavy rains last week in L.A. County."
This latest storm, with moderate to heavy rain predicted on and off until Wednesday, lands on the heels of back-to-back atmospheric rivers that caused widespread damage to the Los Angeles region, including numerous landslides. Most of L.A. County is currently under a flood watch.
The mountains and foothills of western Ventura County are expected to receive the most rainfall, as well as areas northward including Santa Barbara County. Gomberg said up to 8 inches of rain could fall in those places, and rain rates there could reach up to 1 inch an hour.
The rest of the region, including Los Angeles, could see up to 5 inches of rain at a much lower intensity — except for the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills. "They could be pushing upwards of an inch per hour," Gomberg said.
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 p.m.
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Courtesy National Weather Service
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Flash Flood Warnings
A flash flood warning has been issued through 6 p.m. Monday for an area of far Western L.A. County that has more than 800,000 residents.
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Courtesy NWS
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Flash flood warnings overnight were extended until 10:30 a.m. Monday for parts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Ventura County
A flash flood warning is in place in this area until 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19. About 190,000 people live in the affected area, according to the National Weather Service.
A flash flood warning is in place in this area until 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19. About 232,000 people live in the affected area, according to the National Weather Service.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for these areas. Find out more here.
Properties along waterways associated with the Alisal burn areas. Evacuation warnings were lifted Monday afternoon for the Thomas and Cave burn areas.
Properties in the vicinity of Sycamore Creek, from Stanwood Drive down to parts of Ninos Drive, in the city of Santa Barbara.
Properties in the vicinity of Mission Creek, from Cota Street down to Highway 101 and between Chapala Street and Castillo Street, in the city of Santa Barbara.
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 Road, and the burned hillsides below.
Topanga Canyon
Santa Maria Road, and the burned hillsides below.
Forecast
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.
2 to 5 inches of rain, with up to 8 inches in the foothills and mountains
Several feet of snow possible above 7,500 ft
High surf and coastal flooding possible
About 20% chance of thunderstorms in most areas
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.
Los Angeles County Fire Department locations also have sandbags and sand.
Sand and sandbags are available at these locations in Orange County.
Understanding National Weather Service warnings
Here’s an excerpt from our guide to understanding flood warnings, if any are issued:
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
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A major storm system is coming to Southern California. We're here to answer your questions.
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