Los Angeles finds itself under a flood watch as heavy rain and potential thunderstorms continue to pose risks to the area. According to the National Weather Service, residents should expect rainfall to continue, with new amounts ranging between three-quarters and one inch possible today, the Monday commemorating Washington's Birthday. Gusts may reach as high as 20 mph with an ongoing 90% chance of precipitation.
Conditions are expected to be severe enough to trigger the flood watch, which kicks in late tonight and will persist through Wednesday morning. The areas affected include, but are not limited to, the Santa Clarita Valley, Los Angeles County Beaches, and the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. Increased rainfall is projected, with totals potentially reaching 2 to 5 inches in lower elevations, and a staggering 4 to 8 inches across the foothills and mountains, with local amounts possibly surging to 10 inches, stated the National Weather Service in its Flood Watch alert.
Los Angeles residents are not in the clear after today's rain either. The forecast for Tuesday calls for more rain, with a high near 61 and southeast winds around 10 mph. Chances of precipitation remain high at 70%, and the metropolitan area is warned of additional precipitation of up to three-quarters of an inch. Thunderstorms are likely to follow into the night and could continue until the early hours of Wednesday. Rainfall totals during this period are expected to range between a quarter and half an inch.
The National Weather Service strongly advises citizens to stay informed and prepare for potential floods. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," they warn. The weather pattern that's locking Los Angeles in its wet embrace is forecasted to relent somewhat by Wednesday, with a decreased chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning and a drive toward mostly sunny skies by the afternoon. While the flood watch termination is set for Wednesday morning, it's crucial for locals to exercise caution and readiness until then.
