What began as a chance of rain on Christmas has turned into a certainty as a powerful storm moves toward Southern California, bringing the threat of significant rainfall.
The National Weather Service said the region could see between 4 and 8 inches of rain from Tuesday through Friday, with snow levels dropping to around 7,000 feet.
“It’s going to be a messy Christmas, that’s for sure,” KTLA weather anchor Mark Kriski said Monday. “This forecast keeps getting worse.”
The Weather Service issued a High Wind Watch and flood advisories for much of Southern California, warning that wind gusts could reach 50 mph. Rainfall totals may range from 3 to 7 inches in some areas, with isolated locations receiving even higher amounts.
“We’re talking the possibility of mudslides,” Kriski said, particularly in wildfire burn scar areas such as Malibu. Residents in those regions are being urged to pick up sandbags at local libraries and prepare for possible flooding.
A Weather Service chart outlining the probability of liquid precipitation through Dec. 25 shows nearly a 100% chance of at least a half-inch of rain across Los Angeles County and coastal areas. The data also indicates about a 50% chance that some areas could receive more than 4 inches of rain.
Expected rainfall totals by location:
| Location | Low-End | Expected | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuesta Pass | 1.3″ | 2.8″ | 3.5″ |
| Cuyama | 0.9″ | 1.7″ | 2.4″ |
| Hwy 33 Summit | 2.5″ | 5.0″ | 6.9″ |
| Lockwood Valley | 2.3″ | 4.9″ | 6.3″ |
| Los Angeles | 2.3″ | 4.2″ | 5.1″ |
| Mount Pinos | 2.0″ | 5.0″ | 6.5″ |
| Mount Wilson | 2.9″ | 7.9″ | 9.5″ |
| Mountain High | 2.1″ | 4.5″ | 5.4″ |
| Palmdale | 1.6″ | 2.7″ | 3.8″ |
| Paso Robles | 0.8″ | 1.6″ | 2.7″ |
| Santa Barbara, CA | 2.2″ | 4.6″ | 5.7″ |
Forecasters said rain will begin Tuesday, with periods of heavy downpours expected Tuesday night and Wednesday, accompanied by strong winds. Showers are forecast to continue on Christmas Day and into next weekend.
Rain probability estimates from the National Weather Service show a high likelihood of significant rainfall across the region. In Los Angeles, there is a 100% chance of at least 1 inch of rain, a 61% chance of more than 3 inches, and a 31% chance of exceeding 4 inches. Mountain areas, including Mount Wilson, show a notable chance of totals exceeding 6 inches.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city crews are preparing for the storm.
“Los Angeles City personnel are preparing for the storm this holiday week,” Bass said in a statement Monday. “First responders, public works crews, and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather. Angelenos planning to travel this holiday week should use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed.”
Bass also encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts through the city’s notification system.
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