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Some much-needed rain is headed to L.A. County Sunday night, and is expected to develop into stormier weather on Monday.
The National Weather Service predicts the downpour will be heaviest Monday afternoon through evening.
Brian Adams, a meteorologist with the NWS, said the region may get some "pea-sized" hail as well.
Adams stressed the importance of watching out for flooding and slick roads.
"The evening commute [on Monday] could be a little messy," he said. Drivers "certainly want to take it easy on the roads, slow it down a little bit more."
After almost three months, some rain is coming back to SoCal. Rain may be heavy at times Monday morning, and showers with thunderstorms are possible on Monday afternoon / evening. #CAwx, #LARain pic.twitter.com/rfy1JKEupa
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 26, 2022
The storm system could bring several inches to the region, which comes with the chance of debris flow in recent burn scar areas.
The NWS is promoting its "Turn Around Don't Drown" campaign, which encourages motorists not to drive through flood waters.
We apologize in advance for this jingle getting stuck in your head, but we’d do anything to help you remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown https://t.co/T7ekImr5Ku #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/UyoXtpt9om
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 27, 2022
To date, 2022 has been an extraordinarily dry year, raising serious concerns about worsening drought conditions in the state. Californians have been asked to cut back on water usage, although that appeal resulted in more, not less, use of water in January.
California water officials announced earlier this month that they are cutting the allocation from the State Water Project from 15% to 5%. That project feeds 29 water agencies, including 13 in Southern California.
Officials say reducing the allocation is necessary to prepare for extended drought.
Today (Mar 24) generally has the most #snow water equivalent (SWE) for the entire year at the lab. Instead, SWE peaked after our big Dec and has been decreasing since Feb 10th. Melt is now a month ahead of normal.
— UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) March 24, 2022
SWE is now 59% of avg to-date and 55% of peak.#CAwx #CAwater pic.twitter.com/XAcXbuwAOB
