Climate & Environment

Heavy rains hit Southern California with concern high for burn scar areas

By Gillian Morán Pérez and Kevin Tidmarsh

Published Feb 16, 2026 12:34 PM

Updated Feb 16, 2026 2:04 PM

An outline of California has intense cloud cover in an aerial shot.

This story will be updated. Check back for details.

A series of severe weather advisories — ranging from extreme marine conditions to severe thunderstorms and the possibility of hail and water spouts — have peppered Southern California on Monday. The wet start to the week is expected to continue, with concerns about possible mudslides and debris flows in areas hard hit by recent fires.

L.A. Mayor Karen Bass issued an evacuation warning for the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst burn scar areas ahead of the rain Monday. That warning went into effect at 9 p.m. on Sunday and will be in place until 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Most of L.A. County is under a flood watch as a powerful rainstorm hits the region, that's in effect until midnight Monday. Areas that include much of Central and Southern L.A. County are additionally under a flash flood warning until 2 p.m. Monday. That's due to an observed rainfall rate that's between 0.5 to 0.75 inches in 15 minutes.

Some mountain communities are also under a winter storm warning through Thursday where up to a foot or two of snow is possible for elevations above 6,000 feet.

Forecasters are also warning that it's going to be windy along mountain passes where gusts could reach up to 70 mph Monday afternoon.

Rainfall totals

Chart indicates when rainfall is expected.

Widespread rain began to fall on Southern California overnight, as of 11 a.m. Monday here are preliminary rainfall totals over the last 24 hours, reported by the National Weather Service:

Agoura: 1.66 inches
Bel Air: .78 inches
Canoga Park: 1.25 inches
Downtown L.A. .11 inches
Eaton Dam: .50 inches

Evacuations and closures

We will update as needed.

Traffic conditions

Rancho Palos Verdes

As of Monday afternoon: Rancho Palos Verdes Drive South is closed in both directions from Wayfarers Chapel to Peppertree Drive due to flooding. Please use an alternate route if you must drive at this time. It is unknown when the road will reopen.

San Fernando Valley:

As of Monday afternoon: The 5 Freeway north is closed in Sun Valley from Tuxford Street and Lankershim Boulevard because of flooding.
See latest road conditions in Southern California

Forecast

Meteorologists for the National Weather Service have warned that a powerful storm system will move through the region Monday "bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms, burn-scar debris flows, flash flooding with rock and mud slides, damaging winds, heavy mountain snow, and high surf with coastal flooding."

They say Southern Californians should expect "cold and blustery conditions with periodic rain" through "at least the middle of the week."

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.
A flood 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.

Tips for driving in the rain

Advice on driving in the rain:

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.

Downed tree, power line or flooded road?

Dial 911 in an emergency.

However, if you need to report a flooded road or a downed tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:

L.A. city: Dial 311 for a flooded road or downed tree. Call (800) DIAL-DWP if you see a downed power line.
L.A. County: (800) 675-HELP
Ventura County: (805) 384-1500
Orange County: (714) 955-0200 or visit here.

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 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, exit away from downed power lines and jump from the vehicle, 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 indoors 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.
Use heat smartly to save money: Cranking 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. Since hot air floats up, your fan can help move it around. For warming, your fan should spin clockwise to create an updraft. Not all fans will have this option.

Sign up for emergency alerts

L.A. City: Notify L.A.
L.A. County: Ready L.A. County
Ventura County: Ready Ventura County
Orange County: AlertOC
Riverside County: AlertRivCo
San Bernardino County

How we're reporting on this

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 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.