Southern California Braces for Continued Storm Impacts
Southern California is experiencing a series of storms, with the latest system bringing threats of thunderstorms, strong winds, and flooding into Monday night. A flood advisory was in effect until midnight for a large area including Malibu, the San Fernando, San Gabriel, and Santa clarita Valleys, and eastern Ventura County, encompassing Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. while the intensity of the rain began to diminish around 7 p.m., residents were urged to remain vigilant for potential hazards.
Meteorologists warned of continued risks including roadway flooding, mud and rockslides – particularly in mountain passes and canyon roads – and potential debris flows from recent burn scars. Warm Springs Camp, overlooking the Santa clarita Valley, recorded 2.5 inches of rainfall over 18 hours, while the Santa Monica Mountains saw approximately 1.25 inches.
The storm’s impact was already being felt Monday afternoon. A large rockfall occurred on the Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway, and additional rockfalls were reported in Monte Nido (Santa Monica Mountains) and along Highway 150 in Ventura County. Fallen trees blocked roads in Topanga (Santa Monica Mountains) and Mira Monte (Ventura County). In Thousand Oaks, a falling tree displaced residents of an apartment building.
Authorities highlighted a 40-50% chance of debris flows in the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn scars.These rapidly moving landslides, capable of reaching speeds up to 35 mph, pose a meaningful threat to infrastructure and homes. A brief, weak tornado also remained a possibility within the L.A. Basin.
Earlier in the day,Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties were impacted by flooding and fallen trees. Highway 1 was temporarily closed near Santa Maria due to flooding near the Rancho Maria Golf Course, and Highway 46 was partially covered by a minor debris flow between Paso Robles and Cambria. Heavy rainfall also lead to flooding in farm fields near the 101 Freeway in Camarillo.
While snow is possible overnight at elevations above 6,000 feet, Tuesday will bring a chance of scattered showers and a 10-20% probability of thunderstorms. A break in the weather is expected on Wednesday, but another storm system is forecast to arrive Thursday and Friday.
