It’s going to be a soggy holiday weekend for Southern California as an unsettled weather pattern is expected to bring heavy rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms, and dangerous beach conditions to the region.
Ariel Cohen, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles / Oxnard office, told LAist that all of these factors are going to come together during the powerful storm system, and people should be prepared to adjust their Easter plans.
The wet weather should start moving into Ventura and Los Angeles counties late Friday night, with the heaviest rain expected to hit L.A. on Saturday.
Most areas are expected to see between 1 to 3 inches of rain, but the mountains and foothills could get between 3 to 6 inches, with peak rates up to a half inch an hour.
The chance of thunderstorms has slightly increased over the past few days, now up to 25%. Cohen said they may be strong to severe, so make sure you’re monitoring the weather closely.
🌧️STORM PREP 🌧️@CaltransDist7 crews are preparing for this weekend's storm by installing three extra pumps at SB I-5 Lankershim Blvd on-ramp to prevent the highway from flooding. The ramp will remain closed for the duration of the storm. Drive safe and look out for our workers! pic.twitter.com/e5AuUse0uo
— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) March 29, 2024
“If warnings are issued for severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, take immediate precautions to protect life and property, and make sure that you stay away from areas where trees can easily come down, as we're going to be having those strong winds affecting the region as well,” he said.
Here is the latest Precipitation Timing & Intensity graphic! Little change from previous days, except the chance of thunderstorms kicked up from 10-20% to 15-25%. There is still a low (<10%) chance of a severe thunderstorm developing. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/JvcfwIHqgO
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 29, 2024
Much more mountain snow is also in store. Areas above 6,000 feet could see 1 to 2 feet of snow, but the lower elevations, those between 5,000 and 6,000 feet, are expected to get about half that amount.
A winter storm warning is in effect for the Ventura County mountains from 8 p.m. Friday until 11 p.m. Sunday. A winter storm warning has also been issued for the San Gabriel Mountains, including Gorman, Wrightwood, Tejon Pass, and the Angeles Crest Highway, from 2 a.m. Saturday until 11 p.m. Sunday.
Travel could be difficult if not impossible in those areas, according to the NWS, so pack extra flashlights, food, and water in your car, just in case.
All L.A. County beaches are under a high surf advisory from 8 a.m. Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday, with large breaking waves up to 7 feet and dangerous rip currents expected.
As for Easter Sunday, intermittent showers and thunderstorms are expected, which Cohen said could bring strong wind gusts and even small hail.
A handful of holiday events have already been canceled due to the forecast. They include Pasadena's Egg Bowl and Bunny Brunch at the Rose Bowl, Huntington Beach’s Easter Hunt and Family Fun Day at Huntington Sports Complex, and Garden Grove’s Eggscavation event. But the Easter Bunny will still be sticking around the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center on Saturday.
If you still have outdoor plans, Cohen recommends you have easy access to a roofed option, as it will be an “unsettled day.”
Here's what you need to know when storms hit Southern California:
Palos Verdes, Topanga Canyon, and other areas that have already seen landslides are at risk for further movement.
“We are concerned about those locations for sure,” Cohen said. “Everyone needs to be ready for that.”
He recommends people avoid landslide prone areas, especially around mountain passes and canyons.
In Ventura County, an evacuation order was issued at 10 a.m. Friday for the unincorporated area of Santa Paula, along Ojai/Santa Paula Road, because of sliding soil.
