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- Numerous evacuation warnings and orders have been issued in counties across Southern California.
- There will be little respite from the bad weather as the slow-moving storm will continue to dump generous amounts of rain through Monday.
- Elevations of 6,500 feet and above may get 2 to 4 feet of snow in the mountains. Travelers are advised not to go into the mountains due to low visibility and treacherous conditions.
A slow-moving storm that brought hours of persistent rain across Southern California will make for a wet morning commute Monday as widespread rain will drenched the Los Angeles area for most of the day.
The winter storm has already dumped heavy rain on the area, and it's not over yet. Stormy weather will continue to hit SoCal with strong rain and mountain snow at high elevations. Most of the area was under flood warnings and watches early Monday.
Monday's trip is scheduled to be difficult due to local flooding, fallen trees and the possibility of downed power lines. We call on drivers to be more careful on the road and take enough time to reach their destination.
“When you wake up, make sure you allow some extra time,” NBC4 meteorologist Melissa Magee warned.
This rain is not going anywhere and may also affect the evening commute.
“The focus is shifting to the east across areas in eastern Los Angeles County as well as Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, which is very good for a good portion of the morning,” Magee said. “The rain was concentrated in the same area before we got into Monday night.”
SoCal rain schedule
As the storm takes its time to pass through Southern California, the forecast timeline is as follows:
- 4 a.m. – Still windy over most of SoCal, but likely clear around Oxnard for a break
- 10 AM – Clears area slightly above Malibu for a break and remains spread throughout the area
- 2 PM – Rain will start creeping back into Oxnard and Malibu where it will drenching everything east and south in those areas
- 6 PM – Spread out with a possible break around Santa Clarita before returning around 7 PM
Heavy rain may fall in the mountains and this rain will likely flow into the basin.
“Some rainfall rates across mountainous areas could actually range from a half-inch to an inch per hour,” NBCLA forecaster David Biggar said. “All that water has to go somewhere, which is why we have a high risk of some flooding.”
Most areas of SoCal can expect 3 to 6 inches of rain, while lower-elevation foothills and mountains may experience 6 to 12 inches. Mountain elevations of 6,500 feet may get 2 to 4 feet of snow. Horizontal visibility decreases at these heights, so travelers are advised not to head to these areas.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said schools will remain open amid the winter storm, saying the district is an “essential service” for its students and must continue to provide it to them. Jonathan Gonzalez reports for NBC4 News on February 4, 2024.
How to prepare for rain
According to NBC4 meteorologist Belen De Leon, here are some tips on how to prepare for the storm:
- Change travel plans to avoid dangerous roads
- Fill and place sandbags in vulnerable areas
- Moving parked cars out of low-lying areas prone to flooding
- Charge batteries and phones in case of power outages
- Secure any loose items outside
- Change of plans that involve boating over open water
- Get extra supplies and gas in the mountains, as the population has been stranded for days
Governor Gavin Newsom's office issued a state of emergency for Southern California counties in the path of the storm.
February is typically the wettest month of the year in Los Angeles, with downtown Los Angeles averaging 3.64 inches of rainfall during the month. This multi-day storm is expected to bring that amount and possibly more over 24 to 48 hours and rival some of the highest rainfall totals from last year, including nearly 3 inches of rain produced by residual rain over two days. Tropical Storm Hillary in August.
“If you are not home already, please go home and stay home,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Sunday afternoon.
The high threat of rainfall has prompted evacuation warnings that have come into effect in some areas prone to flooding and slides. These included the La Tuna Canyon area in Los Angeles' northern San Fernando Valley.
“Because it's moving slowly, that's why the flooding we're going to see here in Southern California is more likely,” NBCLA forecaster Shana Mendiola said.
A winter storm hits Santa Barbara, forcing the city to close its beaches and warn residents to stay safe. Karma Dickerson reported for NBC4 News on February 4, 2024.
Resources for unhoused residents
Those without shelter can head to several winter shelter sites that have opened in Los Angeles. Those who need transportation to shelters can call 211 for assistance.
The following sites are open to residents experiencing homelessness:
- Mid Valley Senior Center – 8825 Kester Street, Panorama City, CA 91402
- Lincoln Heights Senior Center – 2323 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
- South Los Angeles Sports Center – 7020 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90003
- Oakwood Recreation Center – 767 California Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Safety officials urged unhoused residents to stay away from riverbeds as water levels are expected to rise amid the rainfall.
Impact on schools
Despite heavy rain, LAUSD schools will remain open, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced Sunday. However, Vinedale College Preparatory Academy in Sun Valley, which was under an evacuation warning, was scheduled to close Monday. Its students and staff were transferred to Glenwood Elementary School.
California State University announced that its campuses in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Fullerton will be remote on Monday. CSU Dominguez Hills canceled all in-person classes and activities for Monday, it said in a text message sent to students and staff.
Pepperdine University announced that classes will be canceled Monday due to the storm. Graduate schools will contact students if their classes are remote.
Flood warnings and warnings for Southern California
Click here for severe weather alerts throughout Southern California.
Most of Los Angeles County was under a flash flood warning until 9 a.m
A flash flood warning has been issued for the Ventura River at Foster Park until late Monday morning. Residents can expect flooding at Terro Ranch above the Main Street Bridge in Ventura.
A flood watch will go into effect Sunday for inland Orange County and parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
High wind warnings and coastal flood warnings were in effect for the Los Angeles and Ventura County coasts. A less severe wind warning was in effect for inland Los Angeles County and downtown Los Angeles.
