A strong Pacific storm doused Southern California with rain today, flooding roadways across the Southland and some freeways, while also battering some areas with strong winds and raising fears of debris flows in some recent burn areas.
The main front of the “bomb cyclone” moved into the area overnight, but forecasters said the storm wound up marching across the region much faster than anticipated, which “greatly reduced the amount of rainfall through the area,” according to the National Weather Service.
“In general, 1 to 3 inches of rain has fallen,” NWS forecasters said around 9 a.m.
But showers were expected to continue throughout the day, with forecasters saying thunderstorms will be possible in some areas, accompanied by isolated downpours.
While the overnight rain was lighter than anticipated, it still managed to cause some flooding and make for a hazardous morning commute. A stretch of the 710 Freeway was temporarily closed at Artesia Boulevard due to flooding, with some reports indicating 3 to 4 feet of water had accumulated on the roadway.
NWS forecasters said any thunderstorms that develop later Thursday morning and afternoon could produce some localized flooding. But a flood advisory covering Los Angeles County was expected to expire at 11 a.m. Thursday. A wind advisory was canceled at 6 a.m.
Forecasters still predict showers in Long Beach throughout the day, including a possible thunderstorm. But the chance of rain eases up tonight, and tomorrow is expected to be mostly sunny.
Along the coasts, a high surf advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Friday, with forecasters warning of dangerous rip currents and surf building as high as 12 feet at some beaches.
While Friday should be mostly dry, with temperatures rising by 3 to 6 degrees, but a weaker storm system could bring another chance of rain by Sunday. Still more rain is possible early next week, with dry conditions anticipated mid-week, and another storm system is likely late next week.
The dire predictions of possible damage from Thursday’s storm led to ramped-up preparations across the state.
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across California to expedite anticipated damage repair. The state also pre-positioned fire and rescue crews to quickly respond to flooding or other emergencies.
The state urged residents to be prepared for the storm, and anticipate power outages by having flashlights and batteries on hand.
The NWS warned that “many power outages are nearly certain, and could be prolonged by the concurrent heavy rain. Plan ahead now for what you would do if the power was out for several hours.”
With rain falling, Los Angeles County health officials issued their standard warning for people to avoid entering ocean water near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers. An ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect until at least 7 a.m. Friday.
Health officials noted that stormwater runoff that reaches the ocean can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris trash and other health hazards. People who come in contact with impacted water in the ocean could become ill, health officials said.