Pacific Storm Hits Los Angeles Area with Heavy Rain

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a winter storm is expected to hit the California coast on Tuesday night, with the Los Angeles area set to receive moderate to heavy rain from Wednesday to Thursday night.

Meteorologists say that this Pacific storm is projected to intensify on Wednesday, potentially bringing cooler temperatures to the central coast of California.

Miles Bliss, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Western Operations Center, told Epoch Times, “We are indeed forecasting thunderstorms for most parts of California and the possibility of weak tornadoes.”

Bliss mentioned that the regions most likely to be affected by thunderstorms and tornadoes are the central and southern coastal areas of California.

Last February, tornadoes struck parts of San Luis Obispo County in central California, with another funnel cloud forming near San Diego as a result of a powerful winter storm that brought record-breaking rainfall to California.

“We overall expect around 1 inch of rainfall, with potentially higher amounts in mountainous areas,” Bliss said. “This shouldn’t cause significant impacts unless thunderstorms pass over burn areas.”

Areas heavily impacted by wildfires in January such as Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena may face increased risks of mudslides if rainfall is excessive.

Los Angeles County officials stated on their emergency management website that efforts are underway to clear soil and debris from burn areas to ensure public safety, while also warning of potential instability of trees and slopes due to saturated soil. Certain roads and burn areas may remain closed for an extended period.

The weather agency cautioned the public that snowfall is likely on the southbound portion of Interstate 5, known as the Grapevine, on Wednesday night and may continue into Friday morning.

“I believe the most significant impact will be winter weather,” Bliss said. “It’s advisable for people to avoid snow accumulation areas if possible.”

The National Weather Service has issued high wind warnings and advisories for desert areas, effective from 10 a.m. on Wednesday until 10 a.m. on Friday.