A powerful storm is making its way towards the Southland on Sunday evening. Forecasters are cautioning about the potential for thunderstorms overnight, while sheriff’s officials are advising residents in certain Topanga Canyon neighborhoods to be prepared for evacuations in case of flooding.
The weather on Sunday was mostly cloudy, but there were some pockets of sunshine in many areas. However, forecasters have predicted that a new round of rain will move in late Sunday night and continue into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, the area will experience periods of rain throughout Monday due to a series of storms moving through. Additionally, there is a 20 to 40 percent chance of thunderstorms from late Sunday night into Monday evening.
According to forecasters, there is a possibility of the storm bringing rainfall at a rate of approximately three-quarters of an inch per hour. There is also a slight chance of rates as high as an inch per hour.
According to the NWS, thunderstorms are expected to be fast moving, but the wind conditions at lower levels will support some back-building, which could lead to prolonged periods of heavy rain in certain isolated areas. This, in turn, increases the possibility of isolated flooding issues, particularly in regions where thunderstorms develop.
The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation warning for residents in the Topanga Canyon area due to the potential flooding risk. This warning applies to the area along Santa Maria Road north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. It went into effect on Sunday at 9 p.m. and will remain in force until Tuesday at 6 a.m.
Residents were urged to prepare for possible evacuations, according to the warning. The warning advised to gather loved ones, pets, and supplies. It also suggested monitoring local weather, news, and alertla.org for more information.
Orange County coastal and inland areas, as well as the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills, will experience a flood watch throughout most of the day on Monday. Los Angeles County currently does not have any flood advisories or warnings as of Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the showers and storms are anticipated to gradually decrease on Monday afternoon. The majority of the precipitation is expected to cease by Monday evening, although there may still be some lingering showers over the north-facing mountains as the winds shift to the northwest.
Gusty northwest winds are likely to occur in the mountains early on Tuesday. While the snow levels are predicted to remain above 7,000 feet for the most part, there is a possibility of them briefly dropping to around 6,000 feet later on Monday night.
Due to the rain, several amusement parks in Southland were impacted. Six Flags Magic Mountain had to close on Saturday and will remain closed on Sunday and Monday as well. Visitors who purchased tickets for these days will be able to use them until December 29th.
Knott’s Berry Farm made an announcement that they had to close the park early on Saturday at 6 p.m. because of the bad weather. Customers who purchased unused tickets will still be able to use them until February 25.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is urging beachgoers to refrain from coming into contact with the water, particularly in areas near storm drains, creeks, and rivers, as the recent rainfall may have led to higher bacteria levels.
This caution also extends to any runoff that may accumulate on the beach sand. The advisory will remain in effect until at least 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
