- For the latest weather information check the National Weather Service forecasts
As remnants of Tropical Storm Mario moves out of Southern California, a large number of lightning strikes have been observed offshore, as well as around San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties.
The heaviest rain occurred overnight Thursday, but isolated showers can still pop up into Friday.
Flood watch: The National Weather Service now says a flood watch will be in effect from 5 a.m. Thursday through late Thursday night. That watch affects "a portion of Southwest California," including the following areas:
- Apple and Lucerne Valleys
- Coachella Valley
- Riverside County Mountains
- San Bernardino County Mountains
- San Diego County Deserts
- San Diego County Mountains
- San Gorgonio Pass near Banning
What a "watch" means: You should to get prepared to move. Flooding can happen quickly, so the last thing you want is to be trying to gather your belongings as water is rising.
Read more: Flash flood warnings? Watches? We help you make sense of emergency alerts
Mudslides possible: Just about all of Southern California will see some level of precipitation — ranging from a drizzle to a few inches. Mountainous and recently burned areas could experience debris flows if rain rates exceed the threshold of a half inch per hour. Prepare for mud and rocks in roads and street flooding as well.
Take your poncho: With the current forecast, people planning outdoor activities — such as watching the Dodgers face off at home against the Phillies Wednesday or the Giants on Thursday — should be prepared.
Short-lived storm: The rain should wrap up by Friday afternoon, but we could see another surge of moisture come up the coast early next week.
Fire season ahead: While this moisture may prevent some fires for a period of time, vegetation can quickly dry back out to critical levels once Santa Ana winds come along.
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Here's some advice on driving in the rain:
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- Check weather and road conditions all along your planned route.
- Slow down.
- Keep a wider-than-usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Don't drive through standing water — as little as 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and two feet can carry away SUVs and trucks.
- Make sure tires are fully inflated.
- Check windshield wiper blades and replace if necessary.