With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Atmospheric river brings ‘strongest storm of the season’ to SoCal this week
A storm last week dropped a few inches of rain across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This time, the impact could be more severe.
“We're likely looking at the strongest storm of the season,” says Kristan Lund, meteorologist at the National Weather Service.
Heavy rainfall in the region could begin as early as Wednesday morning. The storm will likely linger through Valentine’s Day, with a possibility for thunderstorms later in the week.
The San Gabriel Mountains will likely see the heaviest levels of rain and mountain snow, Lund says, adding that floods and debris flow are significant risks in burn scars in Altadena and the Palisades.
Up to 2 inches of rain are expected between Wednesday and Friday, with up to 4 inches in mountains and foothills. There's a 30% chance those amounts may double, according to the National Weather Service.
Cold overnight temperatures will approach freezing in some areas through Tuesday, with lows in the 30s and 40s throughout Ventura and L.A. counties.
Lund says this storm may bring increased risks for hypothermia, especially for the unhoused population in those coldest areas. Winter shelters managed by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority are open, however a representative confirmed that there are currently no availabilities. Those seeking winter shelter are advised to call for daily changes in availability.
End of fire season?
Today through Tuesday will be windy and dry — with gusts up to 45 miles per hour in wind-prone areas — according to the National Weather Service report, which also warns of the possibility of downed trees and power outages.
But there’s a low risk of fire thanks to last week’s rainfall, says Lund.
This week’s anticipated storm, combined with rainfall last week, “may be enough to switch to low fire season,” Lund says. For now, she says, we’ll just have to wait and see as the storm develops over the Pacific.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
-
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious.
-
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
-
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.