Storm Throws Weak Jab at Southland
Monday, Jan 26, 2009 | Updated 1:18 PM PST
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A Pacific storm failed to deliver the widespread showers expected in Los Angeles County, but remains a threat through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
The amount of rainfall at various reporting sites since 4 p.m. Wednesday could generally be measured in the hundreds of an inch. However, .31 of an inch fell in Whitaker Peak, .28 on Sandberg along the Ridge Route in Northern Los Angeles County, .23 in Warm Springs near Castaic Lake, .16 in Opids Camp, .13 at Camp 9, .12 on Pacoima Dam and .11 in Beverly Hills.
"The current storm had to battle 10 days of record heat and the drier air did not allow much moisture to reach the ground," National Weather Service meteorologist Jamie Meier told City News Service.
About a 50 percent chance of rain is forecast for Friday and a 30 percent chance for Saturday and Sunday, Meier said.
A storm that should bring more rain than the current storm is expected to hit the area either Monday or Tuesday, Meier said.
Isolated trace amounts of rain or sprinkles are possible in Orange County through Friday as a large, but a very weak, upper trough of low pressure slowly moves across coastal areas. However, the area is expected to stay mostly dry, according to the weather service.
In anticipation of the forecasted heavy rain, the City of Los Angeles Public Works Bureau of Sanitation advised residents to take these steps to prevent flooding and stormwater pollution:
-Sweep your driveway instead of washing it down.
-Remove or secure loose debris to prevent it from entering the storm drain system.
-Avoid watering outdoor plants and/or lawns on rainy days to conserve water and prevent flooding on streets.
-Clean up after your pet.
-Do not throw cigarette butts and other litter on the ground.
