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SoCal under flood watch as another winter storm brings more rain and snow
Residents near recent burn scar areas should prepare for any mudslides or debris flow due to heavy rains today.
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Erin Stone
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LAist
)
Quick Facts
- Today’s weather: Cool, wet
- Beaches: upper 50s low 60s
- Mountains: 30s-40s upper elevations, 40s-50s lower elevations
- Inland: 57 to 63 degrees
- Warnings and advisories: None
Good morning and welcome to Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall for this latest winter storm in Southern California arrives today and tapers off into tomorrow.
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California’s snowpack is about 20% of normal for this time of the year, according to the state’s snow-tracking website.
That means commuters can expect more slick roads. Today's rainfall is forecasted to be moderate to heavy, with the heavier rain picking up during the late evening. Gusty winds and chance of thunderstorms are also in the forecast.
Temperatures will be similar to yesterday's with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s across the region. That means between 55 to 64 degrees for L.A. County beaches, valleys including the Antelope Valley. Around 58 to 63 degrees for Orange County, and around 63 degrees for the Inland Empire. Meanwhile, expect daytime highs from 69 to 74 degrees in Coachella Valley.
SoCal braces for possible flooding and more snow
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from this evening into Thursday for most of SoCal, stretching from Ventura to Orange County and the Inland Empire. An atmospheric river will bring heavy rain late tonight and colder air mass, that will lower the snow levels come Thursday morning.
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That means residents near recent burn scar areas should brace for potential flooding and debris flow. Stay alert for the latest information from officials if you are asked to evacuate.
Roadway flooding is also very likely today, so stay safe on the roads.
Drive safely
Here's some 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
There's also a winter storm warning going into effect by this afternoon through Saturday morning for the San Gabriel and San Bernardino county mountains, where up to a foot or more of snow is possible above 6,500 feet. Forecasters say there will also be gusty winds as high as 50 mph.
Snow levels are expected to drop by to around 3,500 feet Thursday morning, making travel along the Grapevine difficult.
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