High winds today, then rain on the Rose Parade in the forecast for New Year’s week

Santa Ana winds are blowing in some parts of Southern California Monday, and two rain storms are coming to ring in the new year, according to the National Weather Service.

Drivers should be aware of strong crosswinds and the risk of fallen trees throughout the day today, with mountain areas facing gusts of up to 85 mph. The winds are expected to weaken by Tuesday, according to Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Then we’re in for some rain.

The heaviest is expected to hit L.A. on Wednesday night and into Thursday, New Year’s Day, in what is likely to be the first time rain has fallen on Pasadena’s Rose Parade since 2006. The rains could cause some roadway flooding, according to the NWS.

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The storm should lighten on Friday before a second storm arrives Saturday, Wofford told LAist.

“We don’t think the rain rates are going to be quite as high as what we saw with the last event,” Wofford said, referring to the record rainfall around Christmas. “But we still could be looking at quarter- to half-an-inch-an-hour rates at times during those peak periods.”

What about the roads?

Holiday travelers heading over the Grapevine on the 5 Freeway and the Cajon Pass on the 15 Freeway shouldn’t need to worry about the rain turning to snow, with snow levels staying over 7,000 feet.

Rainfall could total 1 to 3 inches throughout the coast and valleys, and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains, according to the NWS.

Wofford said that although this storm is bringing less rain than last week’s, the ground is still saturated. That could cause runoff to move quickly, leading to issues with roads and mudslides in the canyons.

Another storm could be coming to L.A. early next week, according to the NWS.

Forecast

• Monday: Santa Ana winds begin, with sunny skies and temperatures from the 40s to a high of around 70 in the valleys and near the coast. The mountains and deserts will have lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. 
• Tuesday: Winds will continue at lower speeds, with the skies turning mostly cloudy. Coastal and valley areas will have lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s. The mountains and deserts will have lows in the 20s and highs in the 50s.
• Wednesday: Light rain is expected to begin in the morning, with heavier rain coming in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures in the 50s and 60s are forecast for the coasts and valleys. The mountains and deserts are expected to be in the 40s and 50s.
• Thursday: Rain expected throughout the day with a 10% to 15% chance of thunderstorms. Coasts and valleys will have lows in the 50s and highs in the 60s. Mountains and desert areas will have lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s.
• Friday: Lighter rain expected. Coast and valley areas will have lows in the 50s and highs in the 60s. Mountain and desert areas will have lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s.
• Saturday: Second storm to bring more rain. Coasts and valleys will have lows in the 50s and 60s. Mountain and desert areas will have lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of more rain. The coasts and valleys will see temperatures between 40s and 60s. Mountain and desert areas will be in the 40s and 50s.

What you should know

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.

Read more: What you should do if you end up driving in a flooded area

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.
  

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