Storm Heads to Southern California, Bracing for Heavy Rain and Big Waves

Southern California is gearing up for a big weather event that could bring heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous waves to the coast. A strong storm system is expected to hit the region over the weekend, with the most intense impacts occurring from Sunday into Monday. The weather forecast starts off sunny and warm over Thursday and Friday, as a flow of air from the ocean pushes across Los Angeles. Temperatures will dip slightly on Saturday, and a larger drop is expected Sunday night as the storm arrives. Meteorologists warn that brief but intense thunderstorms could trigger debris flows, especially in areas recently affected by wildfires. In response, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department have issued evacuation notices for residents in the Palisades and Eaton burn scar zones, urging them to be ready to leave if needed.Rainfall is projected to continue into Monday, with 1 to 2 inches expected over coastal and valley areas and twice that amount in the mountains. Snow is likely at elevations above 6, 000 feet, with higher peaks potentially seeing moderate accumulations. Roads may become slick and flooded, increasing the risk of accidents. Minor mudslides and debris flows are also possible. While an official beach advisory has not yet been issued, forecasters anticipate that high surf conditions could arise from Monday to Thursday as large swells hit the coastline. Waves of over 10 feet may occur along Southern California beaches, with a 20% to 30% chance of damaging sets between Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Bay Area is already preparing for similar threats, with a beach hazard warning in place from Thursday night to Saturday morning. Residents there can expect large waves, strong rip currents, and wind gusts exceeding 40 miles per hour in higher terrain. Although the storm will bring significant rain, experts say it will not match the intensity of last Christmas’s record‑setting rainfall.