Los Angeles County residents battened down the hatches this weekend as a series of heavy storms rolled in, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue multiple severe weather warnings, including flash flood advisories for central and southern parts of the county. According to a NWS flash flood statement released Saturday morning, flash flooding and landslides are an imminent threat as heavy rains batter the area.
Forecasters warn that areas such as Long Beach, Culver City, and Downtown Los Angeles could see flash floods due to rainfall rates reaching half an inch to one inch per hour. "Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas," were listed among the potential hazards, detailed the NWS report. With the ground already saturated, and rainfall amounts expected to be between half and three-quarters of an inch today, the region braces for more inundation.
The NWS has extended the flood watch to remain in effect through Sunday afternoon. "Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible," the agency cautioned in an announcement. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to be on high alert and prepared to take action.
For Los Angeles, it isn't just the weekends, rains disrupting the usual sunny calm. Looking ahead, the weather service anticipates a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday, followed by a calmer Monday with a 20 percent chance of showers before noon. By Tuesday, clearer skies are expected with a high near 74, providing some respite for the storm-weary inhabitants, per the extended forecast for Los Angeles. But, as nature wields her unsteady hand, the NWS warns that rain may return by Friday – a reminder that in this corner of California, blue skies are merely an interlude in the theater of the elements.
