Rain, Rain, and More Rain for Los Angeles

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January 2010:
Wave of Storms Hit LA

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The steady, soaking storm is expected to get a second wind, bringing widespread rain, possible thunderstorms and snow to the higher elevations on Saturday.The highs will be mostly in the upper 50s. The bulk of the storm will move east by Saturday night, and forecasters say Sunday should be dry.

As of about 4 a.m., downtown Los Angeles had received 2 inches of rain since Thursday night, and National Weather Service forecasters predict another inch or so of precipitation in the metro area Saturday before the storm moves east.

"This incoming front is colder, more unstable, disturbing the air mass," said meteorologist Curt Kaplan of the National Weather Service. "This might set up a few thunderstorms and there may be a chance of water spouts, in the Huntington Beach and Long Beach areas."

Most of the rain is expected to fall in the afternoon, Kaplan said, adding rainfall rates could reach an inch per hour, which is considered a dangerous level in terms of mudflow.

A National Weather Service flash flood watch is in effect for neighborhoods in the foothills of the fire-scarred San Gabriel Mountains.

"Thunderstorms could bring intensities up to levels of concern," Kaplan said. "But that's very hit-and-miss at this point."

No major storm-related problems were reported yesterday, but city and county firefighters remain on alert for mudslides, flooding and swiftwater rescues.

The storm should push the seasonal total to about 12 inches, well above the seasonal norm of about 8 inches for this time of year. At this time last year, Los Angeles had only about 5 inches.

County Department of Public Works crews are monitoring about 30 debris basins in the burn areas. At least eight of the basins were cleared before rains started Friday.

Most county roads through the Angeles National Forest remain closed. Big Tujunga Canyon Road, from the Los Angeles city limit to Vogel Flats Road, will be open for residents and county crews, county officials said.

An NWS winter storm warning will be in effect for the mountains tonight. A foot or more of snow is possible at elevations of 5,000 feet or more.

Snow levels could fall low enough by Sunday morning to affect freeway travel in and out of the Los Angeles Basin. Both main freeway passes top out around 4,000 feet.