Sunday evening, the biggest of three storms was moving into the Southland. Forecasters said thunderstorms could happen overnight, and sheriff’s officials told people in some Topanga Canyon neighborhoods to get ready to leave their homes if flooding happens.
Even though it was cloudy, Sunday was mostly dry, and many places had some sunshine. But weather experts said the latest round of rain would come late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
As a series of storms move through the area, the National Weather Service says it will rain at times through Monday. “Additionally, there is a 20 to 40 percent chance of thunderstorms late (Sunday night) into Monday evening.”
Forecasters said that the storm could bring rain at a rate of about 3/4 of an inch per hour, and there was a small chance that the rate could go as high as 1 inch per hour.
“Storms will likely be fast-moving but the low-level wind profile will be supportive of some back-building that could prolong the periods of heavy rain in isolated areas,” says the NWS. “As a result, isolated flooding issues are possible, mostly in areas where thunderstorms develop.”
Because of the chance of floods, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management told people living in the Topanga Canyon area to leave the area along Santa Maria Road north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The alert began at 9 p.m. on Sunday and will last until 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
The warning told people to get ready for possible evacuations.
The warning said, “Get together with family, pets, and supplies.” “Monitor local weather, news, and alertla.org for more information.”
Monday, most of the day, there will be a flood watch in Orange County along the coast, inland, and in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.
Last night, Sunday, there were no flood alerts or threats in Los Angeles County.
“Showers and storms expected to start tapering off Monday afternoon, with most of the precipitation done by Monday evening except for some lingering showers over the north-facing mountains as the winds shift around to the northwest,” says the NWS. Mountain early Tuesday is likely to have strong northwest winds. The snow level should stay above 7,000 feet for most of the event, but it could quickly drop to around 6,000 feet later Monday night.
Some Southland amusement parks were having trouble because of the rain. Six Flags Magic Mountain was closed on Saturday and will be closed again on Sunday and Monday. Tickets bought for those days will still work until December 29.
Knott’s Berry Farm said the park would close early on Saturday at 6 p.m. because of bad weather. Tickets that haven’t been used will still be good until February 25.
Because it has rained, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health tells people who go to the beach to stay away from all water, especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers that are emptying because there may be more germs there. This includes any water that may run off and land on or pool in the sand at the beach.
The warning will stay in place until at least Tuesday at 11 a.m.