Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Latest El Niño Storm Could Deliver A Tornado And Massive Hail To SoCal
The latest El Niño storm system brings the risk of severe thunderstorms, dime-sized hail and even the slim possibility of a tornado.
While the first rainstorm in a series of El Niño-related storms brought plenty of flooding and mudslides, the National Weather Service is predicting that the incoming round could bring a "marginal" risk of severe thunderstorms or possibly even a tornado, reports the L.A. Times. Though it's good to keep in mind that "marginal" is the center's term for the lowest category of risk.
"The main thing is they're just seeing instability in the atmosphere today... I think it's pretty broad where it could happen. It's a very marginal chance,"; said NWS meteorologist Emily Thornton.
Yesterday, there were reports of a tornado touching down in Vernon, damaging commercial buildings and tearing off pieces of roofing. But by early this morning it was downgraded to a "gustnado," which isn't as strong or as big as a tornado and isn't produced by atmospheric rotation in the storm system.
Support for LAist comes from
As the latest storm moves south today from San Luis Obispo, it could also bring dime-sized hail and 45 mph winds. It's also expected to bring around 3 inches of rain as it heads down towards Orange County, and as much as 5 inches in some isolated areas, reports the L.A. Times, which could continue to cause serious flooding in some areas. And while Tuesday's storm passed relatively quickly, the latest rainfall is expected to last much longer, continuing through Thursday.
"This is not a bashful El Niño. This is a brash El Niño," said Bill Patzert, climatologist with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge.
Yesterday's storm brought more rain to L.A. than nearly any day in 2015, except for September 15 when the leftovers from Hurricane Linda washed ashore. Tuesday's rainfall also set records around the county.
Heavy rain from yesterday's storm also caused a portion of a wall to collapse at an El Pollo Loco in Lincoln Heights, which surely put a damper on someone's Ultimate Double Chicken Bowl.
The NWS anticipates a possible break in the rain on Friday, but another system is expected to hit the region on Saturday with rain lasting until Sunday. Oh yeah, and then more rain could fall beginning Monday.
Related:
Support for LAist comes from
Videos: Small Tornado Touches Down In Southern California
Scary Home Video: Tornado Touches Down In South Los Angeles
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars. -
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
Best of LAist