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

Southern California is bracing for a major 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.

Weather Outlook

• Thursday–Friday: Sunny and warm as a maritime air flow pushes across Los Angeles.
• Saturday: Slight temperature dip.
• Sunday Night–Monday: Large drop in temperatures as the storm arrives.

Key Hazards

• Thunderstorms & Debris Flows
• Brief but intense storms could trigger debris flows, especially in recently burned areas.
• Evacuation Notices
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department & Fire Department have issued notices for residents in the Palisades and Eaton burn scar zones.
• Rainfall Projections
• Coastal & valley areas: 1–2 inches.
• Mountains: 2–4 inches.
• Elevations >6,000 ft: possible snow; higher peaks may see moderate accumulations.
• Road Conditions
• Slick and flooded roads, increased accident risk.
• Minor mudslides and debris flows possible.
• High Surf & Beach Hazards
• No official beach advisory yet, but high surf expected Monday–Thursday.
• Waves over 10 feet along Southern California beaches.
• 20–30% chance of damaging sets between Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Bay Area Parallel

• Beach hazard warning from Thursday night to Saturday morning.
• Large waves, strong rip currents, wind gusts >40 mph in higher terrain.

Note: Although the storm will bring significant rain, experts say it will not match the intensity of last Christmas’s record‑setting rainfall.