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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Topline:
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 recent storm, but the lengthy system still poses major risks to the area.
What we know so far: Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to hit Los Angeles County Monday morning and continue on and off until Wednesday morning.
2 - 5 inches of rain, 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
This story is no longer being updated. Get LAist's latest information about the storm:
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.
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Courtesy NWS
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Santa Barbara County
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Courtesy NWS
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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.
Evacuations and closures
Santa Barbara County
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.
Jordan Rynning
holds local government accountable, covering city halls, law enforcement and other powerful institutions.
Published October 7, 2026 3:49 PM
A pedestrian is walking past City Hall in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
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Allen J. Schaben
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
The L.A. City Council voted Wednesday to ban tobacco and cannabis shops from selling nitrous oxide, a drug often called laughing gas or whippits. The new city ordinance will add penalties that include up to a $1,000 fine or six months in county jail if approved by Mayor Karen Bass.
Why it matters: The FDA warns that inhaling or misusing nitrous oxide, which is sometimes used by dentists and medical doctors to sedate patients, can lead to serious health problems or death. Many community members say they have seen the drug’s recreational use become normalized. Among those who advocated for the City Council to approve the ban were several students from Bert Corona High School in Pacoima.
“ I want to grow up in a community that's drug-free, where we feel safe just walking around, where this isn't just accepted as a part of everyday life,” Mayra Rodriguez said during public comment at the City Council meeting. “We shouldn't have to grow up around this.”
Other laughing gas bans: Local governments have banned nitrous oxide in places like Rialto, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana and unincorporated areas of Orange County. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills last month that put statewide bans on nitrous oxide from being sold at retail locations, with added flavors or in containers larger than 8 grams.
More context: It has been a misdemeanor under state law to knowingly sell or possess nitrous oxide for use as a recreational drug for more than a decade, but the state allows it to be used for things like medical care, vehicle performance and cooking.
Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who introduced the motion that passed Wednesday, said the city ordinance will strengthen existing protections enacted by the state. She asked community members to report any cannabis or tobacco shops selling nitrous oxide to the City Attorney’s office at TEP@lacity.org.
President Trump speaks during an event on health care affordability in the Oval Office at the White House on Thursday in Washington.
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Mark Schiefelbein
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AP
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Topline:
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump’s administration for recent television advertisements that promoted his political message while costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the ads are illegal government-sponsored propaganda and accuses Trump of personally directing them. It asks the court to declare the ads illegal and stop the use of federal funds to pay for them.
The backstory: The spots, which began airing in September, already have cost more than $12 million to run, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact, and a total of $20 million in Homeland Security Department funding has been tapped to pay for them. Responding Monday to the criticism, Trump defended the ads as “positive promotion for our Great U.S.A.” but said he’d pay for them using his MAGA Inc. super PAC going forward.
What's next: The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the ads are illegal government-sponsored propaganda and accuses Trump of personally directing them. It asks the court to declare the ads illegal and stop the use of federal funds to pay for them. Trump has faced bipartisan backlash for the ads, which glorify him and echo his campaign pitch as voters cast early ballots with the midterm elections less than a month away.
The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump’s administration for recent television advertisements that promoted his political message while costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the ads are illegal government-sponsored propaganda and accuses Trump of personally directing them. It asks the court to declare the ads illegal and stop the use of federal funds to pay for them.
Trump has faced bipartisan backlash for the ads, which glorify him and echo his campaign pitch as voters cast early ballots with the midterm elections less than a month away.
The spots, which began airing in September, already have cost more than $12 million to run, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact, and a total of $20 million in Homeland Security Department funding has been tapped to pay for them.
Responding Monday to the criticism, Trump defended the ads as “positive promotion for our Great U.S.A.” but said he’d pay for them using his MAGA Inc. super PAC going forward.
But on Tuesday, the fifth ad in the campaign began airing with the notice “paid for by the U.S. Government,” promoting Trump’s military actions in Venezuela earlier this year. The same day, Trump made it clear he hasn’t committed to reimbursing any money that has already been spent, telling reporters “we’ll decide.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement that Trump is misusing taxpayer dollars in “a last-ditch attempt to save Republicans in November.”
“Americans deserve better than to have their hard-earned tax dollars used for Trump’s illegal schemes,” he added.
Legal experts have suggested the ads run afoul of a federal statute against congressionally appropriated money being used for “publicity or propaganda,” and potentially other federal laws. The Homeland Security money tapped for the ads comes from a $175 million package Congress gave to the department as part of Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.
The White House has defended the ads as public service announcements akin to what past administrations have done to promote various policies. Legal experts have said the recent ads differ from many past public service announcements because they aren’t aimed at helping members of the public benefit from specific government programs.
The defendants in the lawsuit — Trump, the White House, DHS and the Office of Management and Budget — didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
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The annual flu season usually starts in October or November. But this year, it looks like the flu started to pick up in early September.
Why now: The timing of the flu season isn't the only thing that's odd. It's also unusual that flu activity seems to have started in Western states, such as California, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska, experts say.
The backstory: It's unclear why flu activity would have started so early, and in such an unusual part of the country. But one clue might be a new variant that evolved a mutation, which appears to make it better at evading existing immunity, especially among teenagers.
What's next: Experts suggest scheduling your flu shot.
Fall has only just begun, but it's already time to start thinking about the quintessential winter bug: the flu.
The annual flu season usually starts in October or November. But this year, it looks like the flu started to pick up in early September.
"There are enough signs pointing in the same direction to make me think, 'OK, yes. This is the start of flu season,'" says Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The percentage of people testing positive for the flu in the West has been rising steadily since around the beginning of September, she says. And the number of people showing up in emergency departments because of the flu has also been rising for weeks, she adds.
"It's very uncommon to see flu activity rising this early. It's activity that we might normally see more like November or December," she says.
The timing of the flu season isn't the only thing that's odd. It's also unusual that flu activity seems to have started in Western states, such as California, Washington, Hawaii and Alaska.
"It typically starts in the South and then expands from there," Rivers says. "So two uncommon developments there."
Rivers stresses that the amount of flu activity is still very low in most parts of the country. But that's starting to change as the flu picks up nationwide.
It's unclear why flu activity would have started so early, and in such an unusual part of the country. But one clue might be a new variant that evolved a mutation, which appears to make it better at evading existing immunity, especially among teenagers.
"That's our best argument for what's going on right now in terms of this early flu season," says Dr. Alex Greninger, a virologist who heads infectious disease diagnostics at the University of Washington. Doctors there are seeing as much flu right now as they usually would around Christmas, and the mutated variant appears to be common, he says.
So Greninger, Rivers and others are urging people to think about getting their flu shot earlier than usual.
"It's crucial that people get an influenza vaccine," says Scott Hensley, a virologist at the University of Pennsylvania. "And this might be a year that people might want to get a vaccine early."
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't been promoting flu shots as it usually does. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who oversees the CDC, is a long-time vaccine skeptic.
"It is disappointing that CDC is quiet given that flu kills of hundreds of kids a year and can result in tens of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths," says Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who resigned last year as the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protest what he called political interference at the agency.
The CDC declined to make an official available to NPR for this story. In a statement, a CDC spokesperson said, "CDC is developing a communications strategy to provide clear, accessible information about influenza vaccination and other critical steps people can take to protect themselves during respiratory virus season. This includes information about the benefits and risks of vaccination to support informed decision-making."
Copyright 2026 NPR
Photos from Jeff Garlin's debut photography book "Best Seat in the House: Moments No One Asked Me To Capture...But I Did Anyway"
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Jeff Garlin
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Courtesy Elisa Kim
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Topline:
Actor-comedian Jeff Garlin has a knack for capturing moments in his life. His new photography book, Best Seat in the House: Moments No One Asked Me to Capture...But I Did Anyway, compiles some of his personal favorite photos of colleagues and friends. Garlin joined AirTalk, LAist 89.3's daily news show, to discuss it.
Listen: to hear Garlin talk about playing Jeff Greene in Curb Your Enthusiasm, personal stories about his relationship with some of the biggest stars in comedy, mental health struggles and his feelings on analog and digital cameras.
Check it out: Garlin has two book signing events in Los Angeles next month. He'll be at Book Soup in West Hollywood on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. and at the Leica Gallery, also in West Hollywood, on Nov. 15. You can find more info on his book tour on his website.
