A series of storms continued to impact Southern California on Wednesday, causing freeway crashes, downed trees, and raising concerns about flooding and debris flows in areas previously burned by wildfires.
Ongoing Storm Impacts
Much of the region remained under a wind advisory Wednesday morning, with gusts forecast to reach up to 60 mph. Significant rainfall from Monday’s storm had saturated the ground, making trees more susceptible to falling during Tuesday night’s winds. By Wednesday afternoon, rainfall totals included 5.31 inches on Mount Baldy, 3.38 inches in Bel Air, 2.54 inches in downtown Los Angeles, and 2.35 inches in Santa Monica.
The storms also brought significant snowfall to the mountains. Big Bear Mountain Resort received 2 feet of snow by Tuesday evening, with more overnight. Farther north, a powerful avalanche prompted a search for 10 missing skiers near Lake Tahoe.
Interstate 80 through the Sierra Nevada was closed Wednesday due to the storm. A fatal incident occurred in San Bernardino County, where a driver was swept away in a flooded road late Tuesday and later found dead downstream.
Evacuations and Road Closures
An evacuation warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. For the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas due to the risk of mud and debris flows. Topanga Canyon Boulevard is closed between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive as crews address debris flows. Thunderstorms ignited a grove of palm trees in San Pasqual Valley on Tuesday, scorching more than 100 trees.
The Ford Observatory, located on the edge of the Angeles and San Bernardino national forests, recorded a 94 mph wind gust overnight into Wednesday. A tree reportedly fell onto a guest at Disneyland due to the high winds.
Looking Ahead
A third storm system is expected to arrive in the Los Angeles region on Thursday, bringing between a quarter and half an inch of rain to coastal and valley areas, and up to an inch in the mountains. This storm is expected to be windy with brief, heavy showers. Additional snow is forecast for areas above 5,000 feet, potentially impacting travel on Interstate 5 and Interstate 15. A winter storm warning is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for the San Bernardino County mountains.
Friday is expected to be dry but cold. Saturday will likely be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures rebounding into the 60s. However, forecasters predict a possible additional round of rain on Sunday and into next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are under evacuation warnings?
An evacuation warning remains in effect in the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst burn scar areas until 9 a.m. Due to the potential for mud and debris flows.
How much snow has fallen in the Sierra Nevada?
As of 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reported 66.9 inches of snow through a three-day period, and anticipates another two to three feet of snow falling by Friday morning.
What is the forecast for the rest of the week?
Thursday will bring another storm with rain and snow. Friday is expected to be dry and cold, with a possible return of rain on Sunday and into next week.
As conditions continue to evolve, what steps will residents take to prepare for further inclement weather?
